View All Codes and Standards
What codes and standards are important in office building design?
As sustainability and environmental concerns continue to rise, codes and standards are changing to better address these issues.
Codes and standards focus on energy efficient university buildings
Engineers need to be up-to-date on the latest codes and standards to ensure that college and university buildings are designed to the highest possible standard
Consulting-Specifying Engineer most-viewed codes and standards articles in 2024
Read the best codes and standards articles about NFPA 101, ASHRAE, health care standards and more.
Ten things to know about ASHRAE 90.1-2022 updates
Building on the momentum of previous editions, ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2022 is leading the way toward renewable energy and decarbonization in commercial buildings
Engineer HVAC systems with ASHRAE 241 in mind
ASHRAE 241 instructs mechanical engineers about how keep infectious aerosols minimized
Use ASHRAE 62.1 to enhance design of ventilation systems
Mechanical engineers should understand ASHRAE Standard 62.1 and how to apply it
2023 NFPA 20 Report Analysis: Insights for fire protection
In 2023, Consulting-Specifying Engineer did a study to update you on NFPA 20
Important codes and standards in designing health care buildings
Engineers need to stay informed on new technologies and best practices to comply with codes like NFPA 99 and FGI requirements.
Your questions answered: Harmonic distortion essentials and solutions
Discover the essentials of IEEE 519-2022 and how it relates to harmonic distortion in power systems.
How different codes and standards influence design decisions for colleges
College and university buildings are becoming more reliant on technology as a way of teaching and learning, creating new design challenges for engineers.
Codes and standards drive industrial, manufacturing building design
Building codes and standards aid engineers in designing industrial and manufacturing buildings
A guide to upcoming changes in the 2024 edition of NFPA 101
Important changes in the 2024 edition of NFPA 101 include modular rooms, portable fire extinguishers, carbon monoxide detection and alternative care sites.
What do you need to know about the codes, standards relevant to data centers?
What do engineers need to understand about codes and standards when designing data centers? Learn about the trends here
When and how to use codes and standards for HVAC in laboratories, part 2
Brandon Fortier and Jeremy Barrette discuss codes and standards in laboratories
Consulting-Specifying Engineer most-viewed codes and standards articles in 2023
Read the best articles about codes and standards including NFPA 101, NFPA 72, international plumbing code and more
Codes, standards drive respondents in this K-12 roundtable
Energy codes and air quality requirements direct design at K-12 schools
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer Content: March 3-9, 2023
The most viewed content from the past week covered NFPA 101, NFPA 99, codes and standards, NFPA 13 and more.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer Content: February 24-March 2, 2023
The most viewed content from the past week covered NFPA 99, codes and standards, NFPA 13, generator systems and mergers
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer Content: February 3-9, 2023
The most viewed content from the past week covered codes and standards, upgrading storage, performance-based design solutions and medical gas storage
Codes, standards that are important to consulting engineers
MEP engineers must design engineered building systems based on several codes and standards
Back to basics: Medical gas storage under NFPA 99
This covers the basics of medical gas storage and the requirements for health care spaces detailed in NFPA 99
Offices codes and standards change, accommodating new work styles
To appeal to various clients and work styles, office building codes and standards are shifting
Codes, standards cause health care building design model to shift
As hospitals and health care codes and standards evolve, the designs and technologies must change.
Manufacturing and industrial building codes and standards trends
Several new and retrofit manufacturing building projects show trends in codes and standards changing
Codes and standards drive trends, changes in data center design
Several codes and standards are pushing the engineered systems in data centers in different directions
How NFPA changes its codes and standards
NFPA updates codes and standards on a regular basis, typically every three years
Consulting-Specifying Engineer most-viewed codes and standards articles in 2022
Read the best articles about codes and standards including NFPA 72-2022, emergency lighting, lighting code compliance, hospital design and more.
Why updated building codes have cities seeing green
State and local governments are leading the way as major metropolitan areas adopt green building criteria as policy to mitigate the built environment’s impact on climate change.
Office building codes, standards may change
COVID, employee well-being and indoor air quality issues have all changed the way office building codes and standards are considered
Building codes set solar standards
The future of rooftop power plants
Ten things to know about the 2021 Michigan energy code based on the ASHRAE 90.1-2019 standard
Learn about the code changes for 2022
How are hospitals being designed to meet codes and standards?
Hospitals and health care facility codes and standards are changing and their engineered systems must transform with them
The evolution of NFPA 110
NFPA 110 has changed in the past several years, and electrical engineers should understand the nuances
Changes to codes, standards in the manufacturing, industrial building
Several changes to the design of manufacturing and industrial buildings are covered here by the experts, with a focus on codes and standards
Achieving quality design with quality BIM
To achieve quality design with BIM you must also have a quality model.
Five CEOs share their biggest regrets from the next recession
Morrissey Goodale is providing A/E leaders with news and perspective on what is happening in the industry. This week, five CEOs share their regrets on lessons not learned from 2020 / 2021.
Understanding WELL v2 certification
As WELL v2 certification becomes more prevalent, project managers, engineers and designers need to understand which preconditions and optimization features are impacted by the systems they design
Taking engineers seriously
Thanks to the hard work of experts, the condo collapse in Florida is an anomaly
How to design government buildings: codes and standards
In this Q&A with multiple experts, learn how to use codes and standards design government, state, municipal, federal, correctional and military buildings
How pandemics affect building design, codes and standards
COVID-19 affected engineers and building professionals’ designs in many ways, such as codes and standards
How to interpret NFPA 99 medical gas, electrical changes
NFPA 99: Health Care Facilities Code identifies some new ways to specify medical gas and electrical systems
Specifying systems in manufacturing, warehouse buildings to meet codes and standards
Warehouse, manufacturing and logistics facilities need engineering experts to specify various systems that meet codes and standards
How to design data centers: Codes and standards
An expert panel provides engineering and design tips in this Q&A, including information about codes and standards
Best practices for engineering government buildings: Codes and standards
Designing utilities, public works, airport, mass transit, transportation or other government projects is a big task. Learn how to design government buildings using the appropriate codes and standards.
Office buildings focus on air quality, energy efficiency with codes and standards
Designing office buildings in a post-COVID world is a challenging task with engineering variables. Learn about codes and standards
What do engineers want?
Consulting-Specifying Engineer knows the answer: Information about COVID-19 and codes and standards
What is ASHRAE Standard 90.1?
ASHRAE Standard 90.1 defines how engineers should design buildings to achieve energy efficiency goals
Understanding the changes to NFPA 70-2020
New requirements of the 2020 edition of the National Electrical Code will affect facility design
NEC changes enhance resiliency
The 2020 edition of the National Electrical Code added changes to improve resiliency electrical system design
Designing flexible, safe labs: Codes and standards
Safety, budget and flexibility are key factors when designing laboratory and research space
Designing, retrofitting hospitals during COVID: Codes and standards
While COVID-19 has changed many aspects in a health care facility, some things remain identical; know the codes and standards
Students, tech, COVID drive codes, standards in higher ed design
College and university building design is being driven by student needs, technology and new air quality demands
Basics of codes and standards for industrial, manufacturing facility design
Industrial and manufacturing facilities have specialty codes and standards engineers must include in new or retrofit projects
How to implement high-performance design
High-performance design drives owners and designers to integrated thinking to gain a holistic perspective on how to maximize building performance outcomes
Best practices for designing government buildings using codes and standards
Learn how to specify systems for government and military buildings by referencing the correct codes and standards
How to apply NFPA 99 to medical gas, telecommunication systems
Engineers should understand NFPA 99 — along with other guidelines and codes — when designing health care facilities
Will a pandemic change building codes?
COVID-19 is forcing engineers to think differently about a building’s engineered systems
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles: June 12-18, 2020
Read the best articles from the past week. Smoke control systems, COVID-19 retail impacts and questions and designing for transformers and switchgear.
How is COVID-19 affecting retail, restaurants? Learn about codes and standards
With consumers frequently enjoying delivered meals and shopping for goods online, brick-and-mortar restaurants and retail structures need to be more advanced than ever to compete
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles: May 15-21, 2020
Read the best articles from the past week. 40 Under 40 winners, COVID-19 and decommissioned health care facilities, integrating building systems, chilled water plants and air filtration.
Warehouse, manufacturing facilities go high-tech: Codes and standards
Warehouse, manufacturing and logistics buildings are more than simple boxy structures used to make products and store them before they move onto their next destination. Engineers find these codes and standards can be as complex and advanced as any other building
Data centers achieve a new level of high-tech: Codes and standards
Designing solutions for data center clients — whether hyperscale or colocation facilities — requires advanced engineering knowledge
How to design K-12 schools: How codes and standards affect design
With increasingly complex systems and technology coming into play, work on modern K-12 projects is anything but elementary
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles: March 6 to March 12
Read the best articles from the past week. Preventing the coronavirus with preparation, portable coronavirus detection, balancing power quality and energy efficiency, NFPA 101 and building egress, and improved energy efficiency for businesses and vehicles.
What’s so special about office buildings? Learn about codes and standards
Office buildings are complex structures containing automated features, energy-saving designs, high-tech equipment and other components as advanced as you’d find in any other state-of-the-art project; it is vital to understand codes and standards
Video: State of NFPA 3 Standard for Commissioning of Fire Protection & Life Safety Systems
This session will discuss why NFPA 3 was initially developed and how it evolved into a standard, who is involved in commissioning these systems and some common misconceptions related to commissioning them.
How egress is planned using NFPA 101
NFPA 101: Life Safety Code is one of the primary sources for the requirements of exit pathways
Codes and standards keep the wheels turning
Unlike a hamster wheel, on which the rodent goes nowhere, codes and standards can take engineers anywhere and everywhere
Lab, research facility design: Codes and standards
Learn tips on how to design labs and research facilities — some of the most high-tech buildings around
Codes and standards for transformers
Several codes, standards and guidelines must be considered when specifying transformers
Analyzing NEC 2017 changes
Several changes to the 2017 edition of NFPA 70: National Electrical Code should be noted
Overview of changes throughout NEC
Several changes were made to the 2017 edition of the National Electrical Code.
Ask an expert: Hospitals, health care facilities: Codes and standards
Health care facility designers are expected to keep pace with increasingly complex, advanced engineered systems and features
National Electrical Safety Code open for comments
The 2022 National Electrical Safety Code update is focused on new issues like resiliency and distributed generation within the power grid and addressing new and viable technologies that have emerged since the last update
Learning how to engineer colleges, universities better: Codes and standards
Read about emerging trends in college and university buildings, and learn about the emerging trends impacting their design
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles: September 20-26
Read the best articles from the past week. Interpreting ASHRAE 62.1, retaining engineering talent, 2019 Product of the Year winners, unified mass notification ecosystems, HVAC in hospitals and health care facilities questions answered.
Enhancing efficiency in industrial and manufacturing facilities: Codes and standards
From high-tech automation to energy-saving lighting and HVAC systems, there is more than meets the eye when it comes to warehouses and factories
Puerto Rico’s new building codes are creating a more resilient island
New building codes were adopted in 2018 to help create a safer, stronger, and more resilient island as it recovers and rebuilds.
USP Pharmacy 797/800 Standard Compliance: How Should Hospitals Revise Facilities in Face of Shifting Regulations?
The updated USP 797 and new USP 800 standards may require both design and process changes.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles: August 16-August 22
Read the best articles from the past week. ASHRAE's data center energy standard anniversary, starting designs for a smart building, how to use IgCC and Standard 189.1, implementing NFPA 99-2018 and the 2019 MEP Giants.
Interpreting ASHRAE 62.1
ASHRAE Standard 62.1 is best known for its regulation of the amount of ventilation air delivered to each space in a commercial building by HVAC systems through various ventilation approaches to system design
Focus on specialty structures: Codes and standards
Sports arenas, historical buildings, theaters and other specialty buildings require unique engineering design, especially codes and standards compliance
Government facility design: Codes and standards
Consulting engineers are working on government, state, municipal, federal, correctional and military buildings
ASHRAE’s energy standard for data centers turns three
When specifying to meet ASHRAE Standard 90.4, examine the lessons learned to evaluate a path forward
Understanding ASHRAE’s standards development process
ASHRAE has a defined process in place for developing — and updating — each of its standards
As health care shifts, so do codes
Lower-cost alternatives to traditional hospitals create code challenges for engineers and designers
Retail, restaurant and mixed-use facilities: Codes and standards
What are the trickiest aspects of retail, restaurant and mixed-use projects and what trends lie ahead? Read on for solid advice from experienced professionals.
What is Standard 189.1, and why does it matter?
ASHRAE Standard 189.1: International Green Construction Code is gaining industrywide consensus and momentum to become the all-in-one, go-to solution for code-enforceable green building design.
How to use IgCC and Standard 189.1
The 2018 edition of the International Green Construction Code unifies several energy-efficiency and green building codes and standards.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer Articles, May 24 to May 30
Read the best articles from the past week. Engineers and building professionals clicked on: USP 797 and USP 800 compliance, sustainable site energy solutions, 2019 Product of the Year finalists, 2018 Fire & Life Safety Study results and 2019 40 Under 40 winners.
Planning multifamily dwellings: Codes and standards
Multifamily dwellings are fascinating projects with highly specialized codes and standards that must be adhered to.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer Articles, May 10 to May 16
Read the best articles from the past week. Engineers and building professionals clicked on: Understanding GFCI nuisances, visual perception and its impact on emergency illumination design, 2019 Product of the Year finalists, developing hyperscale data centers and what you need to know about building commissioning.
Top design trends in data centers: codes and standards
An increasingly data-driven society demands advanced, high-performance data center facilities. Read on to learn the biggest codes and standards challenges, emerging technologies and upcoming trends affecting data centers.
Don’t forget the codes
ASHRAE Standards 15 and 34 must be consulted when designing with variable refrigerant flow systems.
Designing high-tech K-12 schools: Codes and standards
The technology at play in today’s K-12 schools is evolving rapidly—inside the classrooms, and in the various systems behind the scenes. Engineers handling such projects, whether the work is on new facilities or retrofits, have their work cut out for them, especially when it comes to adhering to codes and standards.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer Articles, March 15-21
Mistakes to avoid with USP 797 and USP 800, AHUs in HVAC design, optimized heating with low-grade waste-heat recovery, data center AHU and conditioning design, and strategies to deal with turbulent times in the engineering industry were Consulting-Specifying Engineer's five most clicked articles from last week, March 15-21. Were you out last week? You can catch up here.
What’s new in NFPA 72?
The 2019 update of NFPA 72 provides fire protection engineers, along with other engineering professionals, improved mass notification and emergency communication guidelines.
Know the updates to NFPA 72-2019
The 2019 update of NFPA 72 provides fire protection engineers improved mass notification and emergency communication guidelines. Here's a look at what's new in the most recent version of the code.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer Articles, February 22-28
Changes to NFPA 101-2018, tips for transformer design in industrial buildings, DBIA takeaways, writing compelling engineering job descriptions, and NFPA 70-2017 changes were Consulting-Specifying Engineer's five most clicked articles from last week, Feb. 22-28. Were you out last week? You can catch up here.
Designing flexible, complex office buildings: Codes and standards
Mixed-use office buildings demand a great deal of expertise, flexibility, and complex technology, making them more challenging than one might expect. Engineers with experience handling office buildings share advice and a glimpse into the future regarding codes and standards.
USP 797 and USP 800: 8 common mistakes to avoid when complying
The revisions to USP 797 and new USP 800 standards will go into effect December 1, 2019.
Changes to NFPA 101-2018
NFPA 101-2018: Life Safety Code has three important updates that are vital to fire protection engineers.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer Articles, January 4-10
The top 10 articles of 2018; understanding the changes to NFPA 70-2017; salary survey results; emergency, standby, and backup generator questions answered; and designing power systems for co-location data centers were Consulting-Specifying Engineer's five most clicked articles from last week, Jan. 4-10. Were you out last week? You can catch up here.
Understanding the changes to NFPA 70-2017
NFPA 70-2017: The National Electrical Code (NEC) has many requirements that apply to designing electrical systems for health care facilities. It’s vital to understand the changes in the 2017 edition in order to stay code-compliant.
Designing safe laboratories and research facilities: Codes and standards
Engineers working on laboratory and research projects are tasked with balancing state-of-the-art systems, budgetary concerns, occupant safety, sustainable performance, and other factors including being compliant with codes and standards.
A practical understanding of NFPA 110-2016
Consulting engineers who specify emergency power equipment understand that installations for mission critical facilities, such as hospitals and data centers, are required to comply with NFPA 110: Standard for Emergency and Standby Power Systems in conjunction with codes such as NFPA 70: National Electrical Code (NEC). This article will review the most recent version (2016) of NFPA 110 and offer tips for compliance.
NFPA 110-2016: Design considerations
This article discusses design requirements of NFPA 110 (2016) and how it applies to emergency and standby power systems in mission critical facilities. It also reviews other relevant codes, such as NEC (2017), NFPA 99 (2018), and IBC (2015), and discusses how they complement NFPA 110.
Designing health care facilities and medical campuses: Codes and standards
Hospitals, clinics, and similar facilities are among the most demanding an engineer can tackle—technology is evolving rapidly, hospital managers are increasingly budget-conscious, and assist in saving lives. It’s also vital to comply with the necessary codes and standards.
The role of NFPA 110 and its interaction with other codes
The coordination of requirements for emergency and standby power systems between different code publications has improved over recent years, but variations still exist that can cause confusion. It is important for engineers to review all the applicable codes and standards to develop a full picture of the requirements for standby systems. While NFPA 110-2019: Standard for Emergency and Standby Power Systems defines system levels, types, and classifications, it does not determine what situations will require any given level, type, or class. Design engineers must coordinate the requirements of NFPA 110 with other sections of the NFPA, International Building Code, Facility Guidelines Institute, and other authority having jurisdiction requirements as applicable.
DALI Lighting Lab Debuts at Penn State
Penn State's Department of Architectural Engineering has installed the first Internet-controllable lighting laboratory in the world, based on the digital addressable lighting interface (DALI). The DALI interface allows users from any PC and any location to control any lamp in this laboratory with a web browser; observe the effects with a web camera; and remotely monitor energy use and time-of-day use. Most recently, the control system was on display at Lightfair 2004 in Las Vegas.
NRDC Demonstrates Green is Good with LonWorks-Based Open Systems
For more than three decades, the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) has been a leading voice for environmental advocacy in the US. When the group decided to open a regional office in Santa Monica, California, they knew it had to be environmentally friendly. The building, named for Robert Redford, actor and long-time environmentalist, would combine cutting-edge technologies and materials with energy-efficient architecture to create a showcase for green-building design and promote environmental activism. The building, extensively remodeled by the NRDC and opened in November 2003, pushes the envelope for environmental design and construction techniques.
Clean Lamps = Big Savings
The results are in. Commercial building owners in the United States could save between $2.7 and $3.6 billion dollars per year by simply cleaning fixtures on a regular basis, according to a federally-funded four-year building-lighting study conducted by the InterNational Association of Lighting Management Companies (NALMCO), Des Moines, Iowa.
International Code Council Adopts Electronic Monitoring of Fire Extinguishers
The International Code Council (ICC) voted unanimously in June to amend its International Fire Code (IFC) in order to permit electronic monitoring of fire extinguishers in lieu of 30-day physical inspections. According to the ICC, 32 states use the IFC. Utah was the first state in the nation to adopt standards for the electronic monitoring technology. Moreover, state fire marshals in Maine, Nevada, New Hampshire and New Jersey have also given the go-ahead for occupancies to install such equipment while the necessary code changes are in process. The new code language, which is endorsed by the National Association of State Fire Marshals (NASFM), does not mandate the use of electronically monitored fire extinguishers; instead it allows its use as an alternative to thirty-day physical inspections.
Minnesota Researches Energy Conservation, Ventilation and IAQ in K-12 Schools
New research recently completed in schools provides additional insight into energy conservation, ventilation and indoor air quality (IAQ). The research utilized continuous IAQ monitoring technology, which measures temperature, relative humidity, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and odors and gases (TVOCs). Two comprehensive studies, conducted simultaneously in more than 100 classrooms in 11 Minnesota K-12 schools, will assist education professionals and decisions makers in all levels of state and federal government. Study Descriptions “Schools Air Monitoring Project for Learning & Energy Efficiency” (SAMPLE 2). The study was funded by a Minnesota public utility company as part of the State of Minnesota’s Conservation Improvement Program (CIP).
HVAC Consideration For Schools
A school district’s biggest expense after payroll is its utility bill. Because the HVAC system is a major component of a school’s utility bill, careful evaluation of a school’s HVAC requirements and equipment options can help administrators save money while actually improving learning productivity. Every school is different, so there is no one HVAC solution for all schools. Instead, there is a “best” solution for each individual school—chosen from careful evaluation—that maintains the highest possible indoor air quality at the lowest possible energy costs.
Demand Control Ventilation for Modular Classrooms in Arizona
Mesa Public School District #4 is the largest school district in the state of Arizona. It boasts over 70,000 students in over 100 campuses scattered over 200 square miles. Because of rapid growth, Mesa Schools, like many other districts across the nation, were forced to utilize modular classrooms for two reasons.
Pharmaceutical standards focus on safety in handling hazardous drugs
The United States Pharmacopeia (USP) Convention's Chapter 800, "Hazardous Drugs-Handling in Healthcare Settings" standards become effective December 1, 2019, and provide detailed specifications for the handling of hazardous drugs in order to protect pharmacy staff from health risks associated with harmful chemicals.
Standardizing NFPA 13
NFPA 13-2016 is applicable to all sprinkler system designs and installations, with the exception of sprinkler systems in low-rise residential buildings and one- and two-family dwellings and manufactured homes.
2019 NFPA 13 reorganized
NFPA 13-2019 was updated and reorganized in many ways. Here’s what you need to know to keep up with the new edition.
Examining higher education facilities: Codes and Standards
As technology advances in every field, the college and university students being prepped for future careers in those fields need the tech they’re learning with to keep up. That presents unique challenges for the engineers working on such structures—specifying advanced systems that satisfy the unique needs of each institution. Here, professionals with experience in the area offer advice on how to tackle such facilities and receive top marks in regard to codes and standards.
ASHRAE 62.1: Using the Ventilation Rate Procedure
ASHRAE 62.1 is best known for its regulation of the amount of ventilation air delivered to each space by HVAC systems through its Ventilation Rate Procedure for system design.
Video: Forthcoming Standard 211P Updates
A presentation on the upcoming changes to standard 211.
Examining government, state, municipal, federal, and military facilities: Codes and standards
Government and military projects are among the toughest challenges an engineer can face. Demanding facility owners, tight budget limitations, safety concerns, and other factors all come into play. Here, engineers with experience in the field offer advice on how to succeed in regards to codes and standards.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer Articles, Jun. 11-17
VRF challenges, lighting controls issues, complex hotels, resorts, and casinos, BIM coordination, and the 2018 Lighting and Lighting Controls Study were Consulting-Specifying Engineer's five most clicked articles from last week, Jun. 11-17. Were you out last week? You can catch up here.
How energy codes affect lighting design
Engineers have many resources when designing energy-efficient lighting in nonresidential buildings. Lighting designers do not have to sacrifice quality or reduce lighting levels just to meet energy codes.
Your questions answered: An NFPA 70B and 70E Overview: Eliminate the Risk of Electrical Hazards and Avoid Expensive Shutdowns
The Oct. 25, 2017, “An NFPA 70B and 70E Overview: Eliminate the Risk of Electrical Hazards and Avoid Expensive Shutdowns” webcast presenter addressed questions not covered during the live event.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer Articles, September 4-10: ASHRAE, developing a circuit schedule, MEP Giants, and more
ASHRAE, developing a circuit schedule, MEP Giants, LEDs, and HVAC codes and standards were Consulting-Specifying Engineer's five most clicked articles from last week, September 4-10. Were you out last week? You can catch up here.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer Articles, August 28- September 3: ASHRAE, HVAC Systems, MEP Giants, and more
ASHRAE, HVAC systems, MEP Giants, LEDs, and designing specialty buildings were Consulting-Specifying Engineer's five most clicked articles from last week, August 28- September 3. Were you out last week? You can catch up here.
Are you ready for LEED v4?
Revisions to LEED required engineers to learn the new v4 rating system.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer Articles, August 7-13: waste heat in buildings, wireless fire alarm systems, system integration, and more
Waste heat in buildings, wireless fire alarm systems, system integration, ASHRAE, and project management were Consulting-Specifying Engineer's five most clicked articles from last week, August 7-13. Were you out last week? You can catch up here.
ASHRAE 62.1: uncommon calculations, approaches
ASHRAE Standard 62.1 is best known for its regulation of the amount of ventilation air delivered to each space by HVAC systems through its ventilation-rate procedure approach to system design. ASHRAE 62.1 offers many calculations and performance approaches.
2017 40 Under 40: Brian Thompson, PE; 40
Senior Fire Protection Engineer, Principal, AEGIS Engineering
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer Articles, April 17-23: Standby power, Prooduct of the Year, building controls, more
Articles about standby generator systems, 2017 Product of the Year, building controls, thermal comfort, and re-commissioning were Consulting-Specifying Engineer's five most clicked articles from last week, April 17 to 23. Were you out last week? You can catch up here.
CxA credential achieves DOE recognition, ANSI accreditation
CxA is the preeminent commissioning credential for new and existing buildings.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer Articles, March 13 to 19: NFPA 101, ASHRAE 90.1, commissioning risk management, smart utility meters, and storage battery requirements
Articles about NFPA 101, ASHRAE 90.1, commissioning risk management, smart utility meters, and storage battery requirements were Consulting-Specifying Engineer's five most clicked articles from last week, March 13 to 19. Were you out last week? You can catch up here.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer Articles, February 20-26: HVAC system design, unitary pumping solutions, ASHRAE 90.1 success, MEP/FP design for MRI suites, more
Articles about HVAC system design, unitary pumping solutions, ASHRAE 90.1 success, MEP/FP design for MRI suites, and NFPA 101 for mission critical facilities were Consulting-Specifying Engineer's five most clicked articles from last week, February 20-26. Were you out last week? You can catch up here.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer Articles, February 13-19: ASHRAE 90.1 success tips, understanding NFPA 101, efficiency standards for HVAC system design, more
Articles about ASHRAE 90.1 success tips, understanding NFPA 101, efficiency standards for HVAC system design, choosing modular data center, and IECC updates were Consulting-Specifying Engineer's five most clicked articles from last week, February 13-19. Were you out last week? You can catch up here.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer Articles, February 6-12: ASHRAE 90.1 success tips, NEC 2017 changes, paralleling generator systems, more
Articles about ASHRAE 90.1 success tips, NEC 2017 changes, paralleling generator systems, HVAC codes and standards, and understanding NFPA 101 were Consulting-Specifying Engineer's five most clicked articles from last week, February 6-12. Were you out last week? You can catch up here.
Specifying drop-out ceilings beneath fire sprinklers
Fire protection engineers can specify ceilings beneath fire sprinklers, as identified in NFPA 13.
Safety, code issues of drop-out ceilings
Drop-out ceilings should have an evaluation report, and designers should discuss their use with the authority having jurisdiction during design and specification.
Understanding the fan-efficiency rules
Fan efficiency is critical in HVAC and process air systems. The new proposed Department of Energy standard will drive changes in how engineers design air systems to minimize fan energy.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: November 4
This week Morrissey Goodale reported six deals in the United States involving companies from Kansas, Virginia, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, California, Wisconsin, South Carolina, and Ohio.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer Articles, October 24-30: Preventing arc flash, IT room protection requirements, 2016 Commissioning Giants, more
Articles about preventing arc flash, IT room protection requirements, 2016 Commissioning Giants, fire notification systems, and 2016 Product of the Year winners were Consulting-Specifying Engineer's five most clicked articles from last week, October 24-30. Were you out last week? You can catch up here.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: October 28
This week Morrissey Goodale reported three deals in the United States and one international deal involving companies from France and the Czech Republic.
Utilizing mechanical and cultural training sessions to provide facility optimization
Tips on providing the maintenance and operations personnel and facility operators with the training and knowledge to help them become experts of the building automation system.
Your questions answered: Fire/life safety: Notification systems
NFPA 72 defines how fire notification systems should be designed and installed. Here is additional information from the Oct. 13, 2016, webcast on Fire/life safety: Notification systems.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: October 14
This week Morrissey Goodale reported three deals in the United States and five international deals involving companies from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, South Africa, and Belgium.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer Articles, October 3-9: 2016 MEP Giants, 40 Under 40 program, designing with liquid-immersion cooling systems, more
Articles about the 2016 MEP Giants, 40 Under 40 program, designing with liquid-immersion cooling systems, applying NFPA 75 in data centers, and a case study about roof-mounted PV systems were Consulting-Specifying Engineer's five most clicked articles from last week, October 3-9. Were you out last week? You can catch up here.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: October 7
This week Morrissey Goodale reported eight deals in the United States and six international deals involving companies from the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Australia, Canada, Sweden, and Norway.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer Articles, September 26 to October 2: Biomass case study, NFPA 75, 2016 MEP Giants, more
Articles about a biomass case study, applying NFPA 75 in data centers, 2016 MEP Giants, the 2016 Product of the Year, and next-generation lighting using PoE were Consulting-Specifying Engineer's five most clicked articles from last week, September 26 to October 2. Were you out last week? You can catch up here.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: September 30
This week Morrissey Goodale reported two deals in the United States and one international deal involving companies from France.
Demystifying IT room protection requirements
Information technology (IT) equipment area/room designs must balance the needs for security, cooling, and fire protection.
Your questions answered: Critical power: hospital electrical systems
The Sept. 15, 2016, “Critical Power: Backup power systems” webcast presenters addressed questions not covered during the live event.
Preventing arc flash in mission critical facilities
To address arc flash problems, we turn to codes and standards. NEC 240.87 is an important leap in arc flash safety for the electrical industry, along with NFPA 70E and IEEE 1584: IEEE Guide for Performing Arc Flash Hazard Calculations.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: September 16
This week Morrissey Goodale reported three deals in the United States involving companies from New York, North Carolina, Florida, Louisiana, and Texas.
Applying NFPA 75 in data centers
NFPA 75: Standard for the Fire Protection of Information Technology (IT) Equipment covers the requirements for the protection of IT equipment from fire damage. The current edition (2013) has not been adopted by all jurisdictions; however, fire protection engineers should be well aware of its requirements because of the large number of IT facilities and data centers.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: September 9
This week Morrissey Goodale reported two deals in the United States and one international deal involving companies from the U.S. and Sweden.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer Articles, Aug. 29 – Sept. 5: MEP Giants revenue shifts, HVAC, transformer inrush current, more
Articles about MEP Giants revenue shifts, HVAC, transformer inrush current, LED for retrofit project, and challenges of mixed-use buildings are Consulting-Specifying Engineer's five most clicked articles from last week, Aug. 29 - Sept. 5. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: September 2
This week Morrissey Goodale reported one deal in the United States and three international deals involving companies from the U.S., Sweden, U.K., and India.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer Articles, August 22-28: transformer inrush current, LED for retrofit projects, top MEP considerations, more
Articles about transformer inrush current, LED for retrofit projects, top MEP considerations, NFPA 72, and MEP Giants revenue shifts are Consulting-Specifying Engineer's five most clicked articles from last week, August 22-28. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: August 26
This week Morrissey Goodale reported one deal in the United States and one international deal involving companies from the U.S., Sweden, and Denmark.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer Articles, August 15-21: HVAC, MEP Giants revenue shifts, LED lighting specifications, more
Articles about HVAC, MEP Giants revenue shifts, LED lighting specifications, efficient data centers, and LED for retrofit project are Consulting-Specifying Engineer's five most clicked articles from last week, August 15-21. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: August 19
This week Morrissey Goodale reported six deals in the United States and seven international deals involving companies from the U.S., Canada, Denmark, Germany, Hong Kong, U.K., Ireland, Australia, Netherlands, and Belgium.
Determining risk tolerance of building clients
The Fire Safety Concepts Tree can help fire protection engineers quantify the level of fire risk in a building.
Balancing passive, active fire protection
Fire protection engineers should consider the building's construction, fire suppression systems, and smoke control when designing active and passive fire protection systems.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer Articles, August 8-14: NFPA 72, MEP Giants, industry M&A, more
Articles about NFPA 72, MEP Giants, industry M&A, LED for retrofit project, and LED lighting specifications are Consulting-Specifying Engineer's five most clicked articles from last week, August 8-14. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: August 12
This week Morrissey Goodale reported five deals in the United States and four international deals involving companies from the U.S., Canada, Ireland, Australia, and U.K.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: August 5
This week Morrissey Goodale reported five deals in the United States and three international deals involving companies from the U.S., Australia, and U.K.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: July 29
This week Morrissey Goodale reported five deals in the United States and two international deals involving companies from the U.S., France, and U.K.
Arup Thoughts: Designing for better indoor air quality
Even with well-designed ventilation systems, poor understanding by occupants of how they work can often lead to them being ineffective.
Energy code advancements for power systems
Over the last 10 years, dedicated energy codes have been supplementing standard building codes, with lighting systems and controls dominating code sections related to building electrical systems. Energy losses and occupant consumption of power system components in commercial buildings pale in comparison to that of lighting systems. However, every recently published version of energy codes has included an increase in requirements for power system components.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: July 22
This week Morrissey Goodale reported four deals in the United States involving companies from Michigan, Texas, Missouri, Illinois, North Dakota, Minnesota, and Pennsylvania.
Define NFPA 72-2016 changes
NFPA 72: National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code has undergone a lot of updates. Here’s a look at the 2016 edition.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: July 15
This week Morrissey Goodale reported three deals in the United States and one international deal involving companies from the U.S. and U.K.
NFPA 110: Standard for Emergency and Standby Power Systems
Consulting engineers who specify emergency power equipment understand that installations for mission critical facilities, such as hospitals and data centers, are required to comply with NFPA 110: Standard for Emergency and Standby Power Systems, in conjunction with NFPA 70: National Electrical Code.
Your questions answered: Critical power: Backup power systems
Design engineers have many factors to consider when designing a backup system for a facility. Additional insights from the June 30, 2016, webcast are provided.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: July 8
This week Morrissey Goodale reported four deals in the United States and three international deals involving companies from the U.S., U.K. and Netherlands.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: July 1
This week Morrissey Goodale reported one deal in the United States and four international deals involving companies from Canada, Australia, the United Arab Emirates, Greece, Germany, and Denmark.
NFPA 99: Electrical changes to the 2015 edition
NFPA 99: Health Care Facilities Code (2015 edition) covers a broad range of criteria for health care facilities. Electrical engineers need details about the changes to the electrical portion of the code.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: June 24
This week Morrissey Goodale reported one deal in the United States and three international deals involving companies from the U.S., Canada, Mexico, France, Australia, and Singapore.
NFPA 99: A fire and life safety perspective
NFPA 99: Health Care Facilities Code (2015 edition) covers a broad range of criteria for health care facilities. This portion focuses on fire, explosion prevention, and life safety.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: June 10
This week Morrissey Goodale reported six deals in the United States and three international deals involving companies from the U.S., U.K., Finland, and Malaysia.
Putting COPS into context
NFPA 70: National Electrical Code Article 708: Critical Operations Power Systems (COPS) introduced electrical standards for facilities that support critical functions in response to vulnerabilities from natural and human-initiated disasters. However, these standards are less than straightforward and seemingly contradictory with other codes. It’s time to put COPS into context.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer Articles, May 30 – June 5: 2016 40 Under 40 winners, smoke control design, inverter duty, more
Articles about 2016 40 Under 40 winners, 2016 Product of the Year finalists, smoke control design, inverter duty, and stand-alone health care buildings are Consulting-Specifying Engineer's five most clicked articles from last week, May 30 - June 5. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: June 3
This week Morrissey Goodale reported seven deals in the United States and one international deal involving companies in the United States and France.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer Articles, May 23-29: Smoke control design, 40 Under 40 winners, protecting data from fire, more
Articles about smoke control design, the 2016 40 Under 40 winners, protecting data from fire, 2016 Product of the Year finalists, and simplifying the building code are Consulting-Specifying Engineer's five most clicked articles from last week, May 23-29. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: May 27
This week Morrissey Goodale reported five deals in the United States and two international deals involving companies in the United States, France, Italy, and Turkey.
Can you make a new building as cool as a warehouse?
The American pursuit of life, liberty, and happiness is a glittering glare of polish and gloss, all sparkling and new.
Stand-alone health care buildings: Fire and life safety
Stand-alone medical buildings and specialized treatment facilities are engineering challenges, and more are being designed and built due to changes in health care requirements. Here’s a look at fire and life safety systems.
Lighting: LED codes and standards
Good lighting enhances building design, conserves energy, and increases productivity, safety, security, personal comfort, sales, attendance, and profit.
Stand-alone health care buildings
Stand-alone medical buildings and specialized treatment facilities are engineering challenges, and more are being designed and built due to changes in health care requirements.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer Articles, May 16-22: Designing generator systems, Product of the Year finalists, 40 Under 40 winners, more
Articles about designing generator systems, 2016 Product of the Year finalists, 40 Under 40 winners, generator demand-response programs, and intelligent buildings were Consulting-Specifying Engineer's five most clicked articles from last week, May 16-22. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: May 20
This week Morrissey Goodale reported two deals in the United States and two international deals involving companies in the United States, France, Sweden, and China.
Smoke control design considerations
Learn from this overview of NFPA 92: Standard for Smoke Control Systems, and how fire protection engineers should apply it in design.
Simplifying the building code
Fire protection engineering codes are better—or are they?
Protecting data from fire
The current edition of NFPA 2001 outlines the use of clean agent fire suppression systems, which typically are used in buildings such as data centers and mission critical facilities. There are many types of specialty suppression systems including chemicals, gases, oxygen displacement, and others.
Applying 90.1 in lighting design
ASHRAE Standard 90.1 requires lighting designers and engineers to include power allowances, daylighting controls, functional testing, and submittals in their lighting designs.
2016 40 Under 40: Shamim Rashid-Sumar, PE, LEED AP, 37
Director of Business Development—Middle East, Jensen Hughes, Dubai, United Arab Emirates BS Fire Protection Engineering, University of Maryland
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: May 13
This week Morrissey Goodale reported eight deals in the United States and two international deals involving companies in the United States, France, Australia, and Singapore.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: May 6
This week Morrissey Goodale reported five deals in the United States and four international deals involving companies in the U.S. and the U.K.
Generator demand-response programs may disappear
The EPA is changing the rules for demand-response programs; electrical engineers should be aware of these changes to emergency stationary generators.
Safe installation of electrically powered fire pumps
Electrically powered fire pumps must meet many strict codes, such as those set by FM, IRI, NEC, and NFPA. Understanding the most current requirements of each code is critical for correct installation and operation.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: April 22
This week Morrissey Goodale reported four deals in the United States and one international deal involving companies from the U.S. and Australia.
LED codes and standards
Clients are asking lighting designers to help them save on energy costs, and replacing fluorescent, HID, or other lights with LEDs is in high demand. This article looks at the codes and guidelines that define LED use.
Selective coordination designer tool
The Selective Coordination Designer v1.0 for consultants and application engineers helps simplify the design process of selecting overcurrent protective devices (OCPDs) in keeping with NEC requirements for selective coordination of systems that supply life safety loads and public safety, as well as for applications where uptime is important.
Connector with grounding ring
The patent-pending ground ring in Ocal Liquidtight Connector with Grounding Ring provides a perfectly secure connection for a sustainable ground path to ensure personnel and equipment safety.
4- to 6-kVA industrial UPSs
The SSG UPSs are specifically built to provide industrial-grade power to equipment deployed in harsh environmental conditions.
Load center, electronic breakers
The Type BR Quick Connect Neutral load center features improved wire-management solutions while its counterpart circuit breakers provide diagnostic trip codes as a standard offering.
Parking garage luminaire
The Orbeon is an LED parking garage/canopy luminaire designed with an integrated mesh wireless control system and wireless occupancy sensors.
Web-enabled lighting controls
The LynTec RPC lighting control panel family with onboard Web servers allows easy setup with a simple Internet browser.
Low-voltage outdoor sensor
WattStopper FSP-201 low-voltage outdoor occupancy and daylight sensors maximize safety and security for areas such as parking facilities, gas stations, pedestrian pathways, and warehouses.
Arc-resistant medium-voltage drive
SC9000 encapsulated powerpole (EP) arc-resistant drive is a fully integrated arc-resistant medium-voltage drive certified to CSA C22.2 No.22-11 and witness-tested to IEEE C37.20.7 through extensive assessment at a third-party laboratory.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles, April 4-10: Commissioning and technology, water management in commercial buildings, thermal management, more
Articles about commissioning and technology, water management in commercial buildings, thermal management in 2016, finding passion in your work, and fire pump power service were Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s five most clicked articles from last week, April 4-10. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: April 8
This week Morrissey Goodale reported three deals in the United States and three international deals involving companies from the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: April 1
This week Morrissey Goodale reported two deals in the U.S. and three international deals involving companies from Canada, the U.S., France, and Australia.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles, March 21-27: Emergency egress and illumination, selective coordination best practices, fire and life safety trends, more
Articles about emergency egress and illumination, selective coordination best practices, trends in fire, life safety, designing generator systems, and class A office building were Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s five most clicked articles from last week, March 21-27. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: March 25
This week Morrissey Goodale reported three international deals involving companies from Sweden, Germany, France, Netherlands, and Vietnam.
How to design safe, reliable fire pump power service
The codes that govern the power supply to the fire pump, as well as conversations with the local authority having jurisdiction, determine the best solution for a building’s fire pump power system design.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles, March 14-20: ASHRAE 90.1 updates, designing generator systems, office building design, more
Articles about updates to ASHRAE 90.1, designing generator systems, class A office building systems design, designing with NFPA 101-2015, and fire/life safety were Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s five most clicked articles from last week, March 14-20. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: March 18
This week Morrissey Goodale reported seven deals in the United States and one international deal involving companies from Singapore.
Emergency egress and illumination systems
Understanding the basic characteristics of emergency egress and illumination systems provides engineers with the knowledge to optimize lifecycle and emergency evacuation performance.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles, March 7-13: Connecting renewable energy systems, ASHRAE 90.1 updates, specifying office buildings, more
Articles about connecting renewable energy systems, updates to ASHRAE 90.1, specifying electrical and power systems for office buildings, designing with NFPA 101-2015, and fire/life safety were Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s five most clicked articles from last week, March 7-13. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: March 11
This week Morrissey Goodale reported four deals in the United States and two international deals involving companies from the U.S., U.K., France, Sweden, and Japan.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles, February 29 to March 6: warm water for data center cooling, benefits and considerations of humidification, updates to ASHRAE 90.1, more
Articles about warm water for data center cooling, benefits and considerations of humidification, updates to ASHRAE 90.1, electrical systems and data center efficiency, and class A office building system design were Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s five most clicked articles from last week, February 29 to March 6. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles, February 22-28: designing with NFPA 101-2015, lighting system design, updates to ASHRAE 90.1, more
Articles about designing with NFPA 101-2015, lighting system design, updates to ASHRAE 90.1, motors, drives, and HVAC efficiency, and designs for pumping technologies were Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s five most clicked articles from last week, February 22-28. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: February 26
This week Morrissey Goodale reported three deals in the United States and one international deal involving companies from the U.S., and Canada.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles, February 15-21: updates to ASHRAE 90.1, designing with NFPA 101-2015, motors, drives, and HVAC efficiency, more
Articles about updates to ASHRAE 90.1, designing with NFPA 101-2015, motors, drives, and HVAC efficiency, how federal legislation affects your job, and defining NFPA 37 were Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s five most clicked articles from last week, February 15-21. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.
Record 2015 for M&A activity in U.S. architecture, engineering industry
According to Morrissey Goodale, merger and acquisition (M&A) activity hit record levels in 2015.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: February 19
This week Morrissey Goodale reported three deals in the United States and four international deals involving companies from the U.S., U.K., Australia, Canada and France.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles, February 8-14: Defining NFPA 37, motors, drives, and HVAC efficiency, NFPA 101-2015, more
Articles about defining NFPA 37, motors, drives, and HVAC efficiency, designing with NFPA 101-2015, connecting renewable energy systems, and specifying electrical, power systems for office buildings were Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s five most clicked articles from last week, February 8-14. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: February 12
This week Morrissey Goodale reported five deals in the United States and two international deal involving companies from the U.S., U.K., Germany and China.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles, February 1-7: Motors, drives, and HVAC efficiency, updates to ASHRAE 90.1, designs for pumping technologies, more
Articles about motors, drives, and HVAC efficiency, updates to ASHRAE 90.1, designs for pumping technologies, understanding transfer switch operation, and designing with NFPA 101-2015 were Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s five most clicked articles from last week, February 1-7. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: February 5
This week Morrissey Goodale reported five deals in the United States and one international deal involving companies from the U.S., and U.K.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles, January 25-31: Transfer switch operation, what engineering firms can expect in 2016, selecting and sizing transformers for commercial buildings, more
Articles about transfer switch operation, what engineering firms can expect in 2016, selecting and sizing transformers for commercial buildings, coordinating protective devices in mission critical facilities, and motors, drives, and HVAC efficiency were Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s five most clicked articles from last week, January 25-31. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.
Designing with NFPA 101-2015
NFPA 101: Life Safety Code dictates a great deal for all building types, including egress, features of fire protection, sprinkler systems, alarms, emergency lighting, smoke barriers, and special hazard protection.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: January 29
This week Morrissey Goodale reported two international deals involving companies from the U.K., Singapore, and Australia.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles, January 18-24: defining NFPA 37, what engineering firms can expect in 2016, reviewing and analyzing NEC 2014 changes, more
Articles about defining NFPA 37, what engineering firms can expect in 2016, reviewing and analyzing NEC 2014 changes, integrating renewable power systems, and using warm water for data center cooling were Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s five most clicked articles from last week, January 18-24. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: January 22
This week Morrissey Goodale reported six deals in the United States and one international deal involving companies from the U.S., and Canada.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles, January 11-17: Analyzing NEC 2014 changes, renewable power systems, Engineering expectations in 2016, more
Articles about analyzing NEC 2014 changes, integrating renewable power systems, what engineering firms can expect in 2016, redundancy ensures continuous power, and three critical engineering aspects were Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s five most clicked articles from last week, January 11-17. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: January 15
This week Morrissey Goodale reported seven deals in the United States and three international deals involving companies from the U.S., India, U.K., Sweden and Canada.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles, January 4-10: Engineering expectations in 2016, smart college construction advice, leading your engineering firm, more
Articles about what engineering firms can expect in 2016, constructing buildings wisely, lead your firm into the future, HVAC fans and smoke control, and modular data center were Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s five most clicked articles from last week, January 4-10. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: January 8
This week Morrissey Goodale reported eight deals in the United States and four international deals involving companies from the U.S., France, Brazil, U.K., and Canada.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles, December 28 to January 3: Engineering expectations in 2016, Smart college construction advice, more
Articles about engineering expectations in 2016; college building electrical, power, and lighting construction; college building sustainability and energy efficiency construction; NEC 2014 changes; and lighting system design were Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s five most clicked articles from last week, December 28 to January 3. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles, December 21-27: Lighting system design, NEC 2014 changes, leading your engineering firm, more
Articles about lighting system design, NEC 2014 changes, lead your engineering firm into the future, integrating renewable power systems, and defining NFPA 37 were Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s five most clicked articles from last week, December 21-27. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: December 23
This week Morrissey Goodale reported two international deals involving companies from Sweden and Norway.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles, December 14-20: NEC 2014 changes, how much are you worth, dedicated outdoor air systems, more
Articles about NEC 2014 changes, how much are you worth, dedicated outdoor air systems, HVAC fans and smoke control, and understanding transfer switch operation were Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s five most clicked articles from last week, December 14-20. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: December 18
This week Morrissey Goodale reported six deals in the U.S. and two international deals involving companies from France, the United Kingdom, and Canada.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: December 11
This week Morrissey Goodale reported eight deals in the United States and four international deals involving companies from the U.S., U.K., Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Netherlands.
Reviewing, analyzing NEC 2014 changes
Changes in and additions to the NFPA 70: National Electrical Code (NEC) have a significant impact on commercial and industrial facilities.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: December 4
This week Morrissey Goodale reported three deals in the United States and five international deals involving companies from the U.S., Canada, France, Italy, Spain, Mexico, UK, Australia, and Singapore.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles, November 23-29: HVAC and smoke control, modeling lighting systems, building information modeling, more
Articles about HVAC fans and smoke control, modeling building lighting systems, taking BIM to the next level, circuit protection in health care facilities, and lighting and the energy codes were Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s five most clicked articles from last week, November 23-29. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: November 25
This week Morrissey Goodale reported five deals in the United States involving companies from Virginia, Texas, New York, California, Illinois, Maryland, and Idaho.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles, November 16-22: Lighting and energy codes, automation and controls for HVAC systems, dedicated outdoor air systems, more
Articles about lighting and the energy codes, automation and controls for HVAC systems, dedicated outdoor air systems and code compliance, taking BIM to the next level, and HVAC fans and smoke control were Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s five most clicked articles from last week, November 16-22. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: November 20
This week Morrissey Goodale reported four deals in the United States and two international deals involving companies from the U.S., Australia, and the United Kingdom.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles, November 9-15: emergency and standby power, arc flash and electrical safety, Getting equipment SCCR code requirements right, more
Articles about emergency and standby power, arc flash and electrical safety, Getting equipment SCCR code requirements right, HVAC fans and smoke control, and fire and life safety in data centers were Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s five most clicked articles from last week, November 9-15. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: November 13
This week Morrissey Goodale reported one deal in the United States and two international deals involving companies from the U.S., Australia, and the United Kingdom.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles, November 2-8: Displacement ventilation best practices, HVAC fans and smoke control, fire protection changes in schools, more
Articles about displacement ventilation best practices, HVAC fans and smoke control, fire protection changes in schools, retrofitting HVAC systems, and emergency and standby power were Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s five most clicked articles from last week, November 2-8. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: November 6
This week Morrissey Goodale reported two deals in the United States and four international deals involving companies from the U.S., Canada, and the United Kingdom.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles, October 26 to November 1: 2015 Commissioning Giants, Emergency and standby power, Protecting our schools, more
Articles about 2015 Commissioning Giants, emergency and standby power, protecting our schools, lighting and the energy codes, and enhancing office buildings were Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s five most clicked articles from last week, October 26 to November 1. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: October 30
This week Morrissey Goodale reported five deals in the United States and one international deal involving companies from the U.S. and the United Kingdom.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles, October 19-25: emergency and standby power, 2015 Commissioning Giants, smart building automation systems, more
Articles about emergency and standby power, 2015 Commissioning Giants, smart building automation systems, getting equipment SCCR code requirements right, and economics of lighting systems were Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s five most clicked articles from last week, October 19-25. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.
Lighting and the energy codes
Engineers have many resources when designing energy-efficient lighting in nonresidential buildings. Lighting designers do not have to sacrifice quality or reduce lighting levels just to meet energy codes.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: October 23
This week Morrissey Goodale reported five deals in the United States and one international deal involving companies from Canada.
What’s all the fuss about arc flash and electrical safety?
Everyone is aware of the shock hazard that is present with electrical equipment, but how aware are you of the arc flash hazard that may be present?
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles, October 12-18: Complying with NFPA 110, minimizing arc flash hazards, ensuring power quality, more
Articles about complying with NFPA 110, minimizing arc flash hazards, ensuring power quality, selective coordination in health care buildings, and building systems integration best practices were Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s five most clicked articles from last week, October 12-18. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: October 16
This week Morrissey Goodale reported three deals in the United States and four international deals involving companies from the U.S., Australia, UK, and Canada.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles, October 5-11: Building systems integration best practices, NFPA 13 changes, Product of the Year, more
Articles about building systems integration best practices, updates/changes to NFPA 13, the 2015 Product of the Year winners, building automation and integration efficiency, and wireless controls in building systems were Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s five most clicked articles from last week, October 5-11. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: October 9
This week Morrissey Goodale reported two deals in the United States and one international deal involving companies from the U.S. and Canada.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles, September 28 to October 4: Product of the Year, wireless controls, lighting system economics, more
Articles about Product of the Year, wireless controls in building systems, economics of lighting systems, minimizing arc flash hazards, and ensuring power quality in mission critical facilities were Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s five most clicked articles from last week, September 28 to October 4. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: October 2
This week Morrissey Goodale reported two deals in the United States and two international deals involving companies from the U.S., Denmark, Finland, Japan, and Australia.
Getting it right in mixed-use buildings
Mixed-use buildings—often a combination of retail and residential—are unique structures with varying needs. Tenants, sustainability, HVAC, and a host of other factors must be considered.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles, September 21-27: NFPA 13 changes, minimizing arc flash hazards, Product of the Year, more
Articles about NFPA 13 changes, minimizing arc flash hazards, the 2015 Product of the Year winners, complying with NFPA 110, and ensuring power quality in mission critical facilities were Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s five most clicked articles from last week, September 21-27. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.
Wireless controls in building systems
There is quite a bit of flux in the wireless building instrumentation and controls protocol market with numerous players jockeying for dominance. Though wireless systems are becoming the norm for product manufacturers in many cases, not all engineers fully understand the best way to specify these systems.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: September 25
This week Morrissey Goodale reported two deals in the United States involving companies from California, Louisiana, and Arkansas.
Economics of lighting systems
Codes and standards, energy efficiency, lighting controls, and plug loads all play into specifying lighting and lighting controls in nonresidential buildings.
Building automation + integration = efficiency
The building automation system (BAS) has become key to ensuring all systems within a building are working effectively and efficiently. Integration of lighting, HVAC, fire/life safety, and all other engineered systems requires the designer to specify an appropriate system.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles, September 14-20: Minimizing arc flash hazards, NFPA 110 compliance, PV system fundamentals, more
Articles about minimizing arc flash hazards, NFPA 110 and mission critical facilities, PV system fundamentals, HVAC system noise and vibration issues, and the 2015 Product of the Year winners were Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s five most clicked articles from last week, September 14-20. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.
Updates, changes to NFPA 13
Nonresidential buildings have automatic fire sprinkler systems to mitigate fires, minimizing the potential for death and property loss. This looks at the current edition of NFPA 13 (2013) and reviews major changes to the 2016 edition.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: September 18
This week Morrissey Goodale reported four deals in the United States involving companies from Maryland, South Carolina, Indiana, Illinois, Washington, California, and Florida.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles, September 7-13: Fire detection and notification, fiber optics, waste heat recovery, more
Articles about fire detection and notification, fiber optics and building design, waste heat recovery, commissioning commercial buildings, and minimizing arc flash hazards were Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s five most clicked articles from last week, September 7-13. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: September 11
This week Morrissey Goodale reported four deals in the United States and two international deals involving companies from the U.S., Spain, and France.
Complying with NFPA 110 in mission critical facilities
Design engineers must consider the implications of combining emergency, legally required, and optional standby systems to ensure code compliance, maintainability, and economics.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles, August 31 to September 6: Waste heat recovery, PV system fundamentals, 2015 MEP Giants revenue, more
Articles about waste heat recovery, PV system fundamentals, MEP Giants revenue and M&A, commissioning commercial buildings, and fire detection and notification were Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s five most clicked articles from last week, August 31 to September 6. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: September 4
This week Morrissey Goodale reported four deals in the United States and two international deals involving companies from the U.S. and Canada.
Your questions answered: Fire detection and notification
Fire detection and notification systems are complex for fire protection engineers to design. The presenters from the Aug. 27 webcast offer additional guidance.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles, August 24-30: LED specifications, PV system fundamentals, 2015 MEP Giants revenue, more
Articles about LED specifications, PV system fundamentals, MEP Giants revenue and M&A, specifying a clean agent system, and the impacts of NFPA 72-2016 were Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s five most clicked articles from last week, August 24-30. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: August 28
This week Morrissey Goodale reported one domestic deal and three international deals involving companies from the U.S., Canada, and Belgium.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles, August 17-23: LED specifications, 2015 MEP Giants revenue, specifying a clean agent system, more
Articles about LED specifications, MEP Giants revenue and M&A, specifying a clean agent system, saving energy on heating and cooling loads, and 2014 mergers and acquisitions were Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s five most clicked articles from last week, August 17-23. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: August 21
This week Morrissey Goodale reported three deals in the United States and two international deals involving companies from the United Kingdom.
PV system fundamentals
Photovoltaic (PV) systems are one of the best options for on-site power generation. Commercial buildings must generate power as we move forward with the AIA 2030 challenge, net zero energy, and other energy efficiency programs
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles, August 10-16: Microgrid case study, international engineering, zero-net energy case study, more
Articles about a microgrid case study at Princeton, engineering on an international scale, a zero-net energy case study, waste heat recovery, and NFPA 72 amendments were Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s five most clicked articles from last week, August 10-16. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: August 14
This week Morrissey Goodale reported three deals in the United States and two international deals involving companies from the United Kingdom, France, and Brazil.
Know when, where to specify a clean agent system
Fire protection engineers should use NPFA 2001 to direct the specification of clean agent fire extinguishing systems, which are typically used in mission critical facilities.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: August 7
This week Morrissey Goodale reported three deals in the United States and one international deal involving companies from France and Bahrain.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles, July 27 to August 2: NFPA 72-2016, Fire and Life Safety Study, IAQ in hospitals, more
Articles about NFPA 72-2016's impacts, the 2015 Fire and Life Safety Study, IAQ in hospitals, the 2015 Electrical and Power Study, and the IoT and consulting-specifying engineers were Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s five most clicked articles from last week, July 27 to August 2. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: July 31
This week Morrissey Goodale reported two deals in the United States and three international deals involving companies from Canada, Australia, Singapore, France, and India.
Engineering on an international scale
Working on projects clear across the globe may introduce more obstacles to overcome than mere distance and language barriers—each locale comes with its own codes, climate conditions, and unique characteristics.
Your questions answered: LED codes and standards
In lighting, one size/type does not fit all. LEDs, or light-emitting diodes, have gained prominence in lighting design for their energy and operational savings. More information is provided by the presenters of the July 23 webcast.
What are the impacts of NFPA 72-2016?
Although the revision process is not yet complete for NFPA 72-2016, this highlights some of the more significant changes that may be included in the 2016 edition.
Certified amending motions on NFPA 72
Several motions on NFPA 72 were discussed at the NFPA meeting in June.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: July 24
This week Morrissey Goodale reported two deals in the United States involving companies from Washington, D.C., Kansas, and California.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles, July 13-19: NFPA 99, integrated project delivery, fire protection, more
Articles about adopting NFPA 99, integrated project delivery, fire protection and critical facilities, evaluating UPS system efficiency, and implementing microgrids were Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s five most clicked articles from last week, July 13-19. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: July 17
This week Morrissey Goodale reported three deals in the United States and five international deals involving companies from the U.S., Canada, France, China, and the United Kingdom.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles, July 6-12: Generator rooms, codes or standards, UPS system efficiency, more
Articles about designing generator rooms, codes or standards, evaluating UPS system efficiency, integrated project delivery, and information about motors and drives were Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s five most clicked articles from last week, July 6-12. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: July 2
This week Morrissey Goodale reported two deals in the United States and four international deals involving companies from Canada, Norway, the United Kingdom, and Sweden.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles, June 22-28: Integrated project delivery, fire detection and protection, adopting NFPA 99, more
Articles about integrated project delivery, fire detection and protection in critical facilities, adopting NFPA 99, data center PUE and efficiency, and implementing microgrids were Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s five most clicked articles from last week, June 22-28. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: June 26
This week Morrissey Goodale reported four deals in the United States and three international deals involving companies from Singapore, China, and the United Kingdom.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles, June 15-21: LED renovations and retrofits, data center PUE and efficiency, cogeneration systems, more
Articles about LED renovations and retrofits, data center PUE and efficiency, understanding cogeneration systems, efficient hot water systems, and adopting NFPA 99 were Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s five most clicked articles from last week, June 15-21. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: June 19
This week Morrissey Goodale reported three deals in the United States and four international deals involving companies from Canada, the United Kingdom, the UAE, Austria, and Poland.
Fire detection, protection in critical facilities
Critical facilities, such as health care buildings and hospitals, require fire alarm and detection specifications at a higher level than in other buildings.
Adopting NFPA 99
NFPA 99-2015 establishes criteria for levels of health care services or systems based on risk to patients, staff, or visitors in health care facilities to minimize the hazards of fire, explosion, and electricity. Here’s what’s in the current code and what engineers need to know once their authorities having jurisdiction enforce this version.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: June 12
This week Morrissey Goodale reported two deals in the United States and three deals involving companies from the United Kingdom.
Webcast: Variable frequency drives (VFDs), variable speed drives (VSDs), and motors
Engineers must understand how the components in the systems they design use power and how they can be optimized without compromising traditional design values. Standard induction motors use (and waste) electricity.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: June 5
This week Morrissey Goodale reported four deals in the United States and seven international deals involving companies from Spain, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Australia, The Netherlands and France.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles, May 25-31: 40 Under 40 winners, BIM evolution, electrical systems webcast Q&A, more
Articles about the 2015 40 Under 40 winners, the evolution of BIM, webcast questions and answers on arc flash reduction, an energy efficiency case study, and lighting and HVAC integration were Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s five most clicked articles from last week, May 25-31. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.
Industrial IoT and new sources of energy set to transform the power equipment industry in 2015
The power equipment industry is going through significant changes as equipment manufacturers explore various energy sources and enhanced data capabilities in 2015.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: May 29
This week Morrissey Goodale reported four deals in the United States involving companies from Colorado, New York, Florida, Alabama, Texas and Maryland, and one international deal involving two companies from the United Kingdom.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: May 22
This week Morrissey Goodale reported one deal in the United States involving companies from Pennsylvania and Georgia.
LED renovations and retrofits: Evaluating codes and costs
Clients are asking lighting designers to help them save on energy costs, and replacing fluorescent, HID, or other lights with LEDs is in high demand. Here’s a look at the codes and guidelines that define LED use, including ASHRAE Standard 90.1, California Title 24, Dept. of Energy, and IECC.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: May 15
This week Morrissey Goodale reported seven deals in the United States involving companies from Illinois, Nevada, Ohio, Connecticut, Tennessee, Delaware, Maryland, California, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina and one international deal involving companies from the United States and Canada.
Your questions answered: Electrical Systems: Arc Flash Reduction and NEC 240.87 Requirements
James A. Smith, senior offer specialist at Schneider Electric, and Antony Parsons, PhD, PE, senior staff engineer at Schneider Electric, tackled unanswered questions from the May 6, 2015, webcast on arc flash reduction and NEC 240.87 requirements.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: May 8
This week Morrissey Goodale reported three deals in the United States involving companies from Michigan, Colorado, Massachusetts, Georgia and Texas and two international deals involving companies from the United Kingdom and Norway.
Arup Thoughts: Let BIM unite standardisers and innovators
Some in the industry argue that building information modelling (BIM) should be used to enable radical innovation, while others feel its main goal should be standardization.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles, April 27 to May 3: Interpreting NFPA 72, 40 Under 40, energy performance in mission critical facilities, more
Articles about interpreting NFPA 72, the 40 Under 40 program, energy performance in mission critical facilities, the evolution of BIM, and the Product of the Year finalists were Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s five most clicked articles from last week, April 27 to May 3. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: May 1
This week Morrissey Goodale reported two deals in the United States involving companies from California, New York, Maryland, and Pennsylvania and one international deal involving a company from Canada.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: April 24
This week Morrissey Goodale reported three deals in the United States involving companies from California, New York, South Carolina, Florida, Texas and Massachusetts and one international deal involving two companies from China.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles, April 13-19: BIM design integration, increasing transformer efficiency, Product of the Year finalists, more
Articles about BIM design integration, increasing transformer efficiency, the 2015 Product of the Year finalists, optimizing genset sizing, and energy performance in mission critical facilities were Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s five most clicked articles from last week, April 13-19. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.
Interpreting NFPA 72
Engineers must understand how NFPA 72-2013 can be specified into commercial buildings. While the 2010 edition is just being put into practice in many jurisdictions, the changes to the 2013 code should be noted.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: April 17
This week Morrissey Goodale reported one deal in the United States involving companies from Illinois and California and three international deals involving companies from the United States, Turkey, Australia, Indonesia, and Canada.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: April 10
This week Morrissey Goodale reported six deals in the United States involving companies from Kansas, Washington State, Missouri, Iowa, Montana, Michigan, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Virginia.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: April 3
This week Morrissey Goodale reported three deals in the United States and two international deal involving companies from Canada and the United Kingdom.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: March 27
This week Morrissey Goodale reported six deals in the United States and one international deal involving companies from the United Arab Emirates and the UK.
Additional information about standby power for mission critical facilities
When utility power is interrupted, standby power system failure is not an option for mission critical facilities. Presenters from the March 19, 2015, webcast respond to questions left unanswered during the live event.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: March 20
This week Morrissey Goodale reported four deals in the United States and one international deal involving companies from the Netherlands and France.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: March 13
This week Morrissey Goodale reported two deals in the United States and one international deal involving two companies from Australia.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: March 6
This week Morrissey Goodale reported six deals in the United States and one international deal involving two companies from the United Kingdom.
The 12-month correction period
Another way engineers can keep the client happy.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles, February 23 to March 1: Fire suppression piping systems, VFD and motor strategies, NFPA 72 and 720 code changes, more
Articles about fire suppression piping systems, VFD and motor strategies for energy efficiency, NFPA 72 and 720 code changes, ASHRAE 90.1 and integrated design, and results from the 2014 electrical, power study were Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s five most clicked articles from last week, February 23 to March 1. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: February 27
This week Morrissey Goodale reported five deals in the United States and two international deals involving companies from the United States, Vietnam, and Canada.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles, February 16-22: ASHRAE 90.1 and integrated design, VFD and motor strategies, lighting control strategies, more
Articles about ASHRAE 90.1 and integrated design, VFD and motor strategies for energy efficiency, lighting control strategies, driving data center design, and NFPA 72 and 720 code changes were Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s five most clicked articles from last week, February 16-22. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: February 20
This week Morrissey Goodale reported five deals in the United States and three international deals involving companies from the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: February 13
This week Morrissey Goodale reported two deals in the United States and two international deals involving companies from Sweden and the United Kingdom.
NFPA 72 and 720 code changes
Here’s what fire protection engineers need to know about the NFPA 72 and 720 code requirements for sleeping rooms
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: February 6
This week Morrissey Goodale reported two deals in the United States and three international deals involving companies from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, and Hong Kong.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles, January 26 to February 1: VFD and motor strategies, 2014 NEC review, energy efficiency economics, more
Articles about VFD and motor strategies for energy efficiency, the 2014 NEC, economics for energy-efficient electrical systems, pitfalls in specifying motors and VFDs, and data center design were Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s five most clicked articles from last week, January 26 to February 1. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: January 30
This week Morrissey Goodale reported four deals in the United States and one international deal involving companies from the United Kingdom and China.
Driving data center design
In the information age, data centers can be the beating heart of not just a building, but an entire global corporation. Engineers with experience working on data centers offer advice on their complex design and getting all the various aspects to compute.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles, January 19-25: 2015 business trends, designing higher education facilities, VFD and motor strategies, more
Articles about top business trends in 2015; designing higher education facilities; VFD, motor strategies for energy efficiency; designing a CHP plant; and condensing boilers and emissions regulations were Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s five most clicked articles from last week, January 19-25. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: January 23
This week Morrissey Goodale reported seven deals in the United States and two international deals involving companies from The Netherlands.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles, January 12-18: Designing modular data centers, the 2014 NEC, 2015 business trends, more
Articles about designing modular data centers; the 2014 NEC; top business trends in 2015; Implementing energy storage for peak-load shifting; and designing higher education facilities were Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s five most clicked articles from last week, January 12-18. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: January 16
This week Morrissey Goodale reported four deals in the United States and two international deals involving companies from France, China, and Canada.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: January 9
This week Morrissey Goodale reported three deals in the United States and one deal involving two companies from Canada.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles, December 29 to January 4: LED secrets, BIM and lawyers, 2015 business trends, more
Articles about dirty LED secrets, lawyers and BIM, top business trends in 2015, a central heating plant (CHP) achieving efficiency, and ASHRAE 90.1’s effects on plumbing engineers were Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s five most clicked articles from last week, December 29 to January 4. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: January 2
This week Morrissey Goodale reported six deals in the United States and one international deal involving companies from Saudi Arabia.
The IBC’s modification to exit access travel distance
Understanding the International Building Code’s increase for Group F-1 and S-1 occupancy.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: December 19
This week Morrissey Goodale reported two deals in the United States and three international deals involving companies from the U.S., Denmark, England, Canada, and Colombia.
Use NFPA 3 for new, existing buildings
NFPA 3 defines commissioning and integrated testing of new fire protection and life safety systems in both new and existing buildings.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles, December 8-14: 3- and 4-pole transfer switches, sustainable electrical systems, data center harmonics, more
Articles about covered 3-and 4-pole transfer switches, flexible and sustainable electrical systems, data center harmonics, young architects challenging engineers, and energy storage for peak-load shifting were Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s five most clicked articles from last week, December 8-14. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: December 12
This week Morrissey Goodale reported five deals in the United States and four international deals involving companies from the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada.
Reviewing the 2014 NEC
It’s time for electrical and power engineers to start reviewing the 2014 edition of the NEC to be prepared for when jurisdictions adopt it as local code.
Designing a CHP plant
Consulting engineers should understand the criteria for determining the feasibility of using combined heat and power in their design projects.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: December 5
This week Morrissey Goodale reported three deals in the United States and two international deals involving companies from The Netherlands, Australia, France, and Brazil.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: November 26
This week Morrissey Goodale reported two international deals involving companies from Australia, the United Arab Emirates, and Romania.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles, November 17-23: Building envelope testing, evaluating energy codes, passive firestop systems, more
Articles about building envelope testing in existing buildings, evaluating energy codes, specifying passive firestop systems, applying building energy modeling, and effective health care facilities were Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s five most clicked articles from last week, November 17-23. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.
Proper installation ensures performance standards are met: Part 2
This final installment of a two-part series explains why electrical specifiers should take a cue from the 1980s rock band Van Halen and why defending a specification is the only way to ensure that you get what you have specified.
Building safe, effective health care facilities: Fire and life safety
It’s hard to think of an engineering project with higher standards than a hospital or health care facility—successfully designed and installed systems can literally be a matter of life and death. Here, engineers with experience in the field offer advice on how to deliver such projects with a clean bill of health.
Building safe, effective health care facilities
It’s hard to think of an engineering project with higher standards than a hospital or health care facility—successfully designed and installed systems can literally be a matter of life and death. Here, engineers with experience in the field offer advice on how to deliver such projects with a clean bill of health.
Building safe, effective health care facilities: Building automation and controls
It’s hard to think of an engineering project with higher standards than a hospital or health care facility—successfully designed and installed systems can literally be a matter of life and death. Building automation systems (BAS) and controls play a key role in mission critical facilities.
Critical Power: Selective Coordination
Selective coordination is a means of localizing an overcurrent condition to restrict electrical outages to the affected equipment, circuit, or feeder. In a properly coordinated system, a fault induces operation of the nearest device on the line side of the fault and limits the outage to only the faulted portion of the system.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: November 14
This week Morrissey Goodale reported four deals in the United States and two international deals involving companies from Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
Hard and soft metric: It’s actually ‘conversion’ and ‘substitution’
After discussing "hard" and "soft" metric conversions in a previous blog post, I found that there is a better way to address this topic, thanks to a comment from reader Howard Ressel about ASTM/IEEE SI10-2010: The American National Standard for Metric Practice.
Specify materials carefully for project success: Part 1
Electrical specifiers hold the key to a project’s long-term success by sharing their knowledge and defending their specifications. Part 1 of this two-part series focuses on the reasons specifications exist and why defending them makes good sense.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: November 7
This week Morrissey Goodale reported seven deals in the United States and four international deals involving companies from the United States, the United Kingdom, Norway, Sweden, and Switzerland.
Keeping tabs on emerging trends, Part II: Interconnections, revised standards and communication networks
In part I of this two-part blog, I discussed the introduction of bidirectional power flows on the distribution network and the utility’s resulting need for situational awareness that may extend into the client’s substation. In this installment, I’d like to discuss interconnections and relevant standards.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles, October 27 to November 2: Selecting pumps and circulators, arc flash hazards, active and passive fire protection, more
Articles about selecting pumps and circulators, mitigating arc flash hazards, active and passive fire protection, specifying passive firestop systems, and building energy modeling were Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s five most clicked articles from last week, October 27 to November 2. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: October 31
This week Morrissey Goodale reported three deals in the United States from companies in Maryland, Ohio, New York, California, and Idaho.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles, October 20-26: Selecting pumps and circulators, building energy modeling, commissioning and energy efficiency, more
Articles about covered selecting pumps and circulators, building energy modeling, ongoing commissioning and energy efficiency, commissioning giants, and lighting controls increasing energy performance were Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s five most clicked articles from last week, October 20-26. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: October 24
This week Morrissey Goodale reported three deals in the United States and one international deal involving two companies from France.
Specifying lighting controls: Part 2
When specifying a lighting control system, reviewing the four types of lighting control discussed in part 1 of this series is a good place to start. Part 2 tells you how to determine what kind of lighting control system meets the client's requirements.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: October 17
This week Morrissey Goodale reported one deal in Texas and one deal involving companies from the United Kingdom and New Zealand.
Balancing active and passive fire protection
Fire protection engineers can and should consider the building's construction, fire suppression systems, and smoke control when designing fire protection systems.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: October 10
This week Morrissey Goodale reported four deals in the United States and five international deal involving companies from the United Kingdom, Canada, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Singapore.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles, September 29 to October 5: Data center distribution systems, mixed-use buildings best practices, managing power through networked electrical systems, more
Articles about designing data center electrical distribution systems, mixed-use building codes and standards, managing power through networked electrical systems, circuit protection in facilities, and the 2014 Product of the Year winners were Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s five most clicked articles from last week, September 29 to October 5. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: October 3
This week Morrissey Goodale reported five deals in the United States and one international deal involving companies from the United Kingdom and Ireland.
Best practices for mixed-use buildings
Taking on a mixed-use structure—such as one that includes retail and residential portions—can be an engineering challenge. With all the different engineered systems involved, it can be like working on and integrating several different projects at once. A group of engineers share their experiences and offer practical advice on mixed-use projects.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: September 26
This week Morrissey Goodale reported five deals in the United States and four international deals involving companies from Canada and the United Kingdom.
Circuit protection in facilities
Circuit protection, as defined by NFPA 70, can be interpreted in many ways. Understand the codes and standards to create a circuit protection protocol that can be followed in all buildings.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: September 19
This week Morrissey Goodale reported one deal in the United States and three international deals involving companies from Canada, the United Kingdom, Belgium, and Germany.
Updates, changes to NFPA 75 affect data centers
The 2016 edition of NFPA 75: Standard for the Fire Protection of Information Technology (IT) Equipment may include changes to the risk assessment approach users of the document must take.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: September 12
This week Morrissey Goodale reported two deals in the United States and seven international deals involving companies from the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, India, and Canada.
Weighing in on the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC)
We are currently at the start of an eight-month window for open commentary on the change proposals in the preprint of proposed changes for the 2017 edition of the NESC.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: September 5
This week Morrissey Goodale reported two deals in the United States and four international deals involving companies from the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and Canada.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles, August 25-31: NFPA 101 considerations, building performance, MEP Giants, more
Articles about NFPA 101 engineering considerations, elevating building performance through lower energy use, MEP Giants and diversity, active and passive fire protection, and testing smoke management systems were Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s five most clicked articles from last week, August 25-31. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: August 29
This week Morrissey Goodale reported two deals in the United States and three international deals involving companies from The Netherlands, the U.S., the United Kingdom, and Australia.
Specifying lighting controls: Part 1
Part 1 looks at four common types of lighting controls: panelboards, dimming controls, addressable controls, and relay-based systems.
Specifying LED luminaires
LEDs are in demand because of their energy efficiency and long lifecycle. This article reviews the key aspects of specifying LEDs, provides a lifecycle comparison to other types of lighting, and discusses the codes that dictate their specification.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles, August 18-24: MEP Giants, fire protection, NFPA 72-2016, more
Articles about MEP Giants and diversity, active and passive fire protection, NFPA 72-2016 changes, elevating building performance through lower energy use, and power for fire pumps were Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s five most clicked articles from last week, August 18-24. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.
Engineering considerations of NFPA 101
NFPA 101: Life Safety Code defines a building’s egress, along with numerous fire and life safety systems.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: August 22
This week Morrissey Goodale reported three deals in the United States and five international deals involving companies from the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and Norway.
Testing smoke management systems
Follow these 10 steps for successful testing of smoke management systems.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles, August 11-17: Energy codes and lighting, energy use in buildings, LED lighting solutions, more
Articles about energy codes and lighting in smart buildings, elevating building performance through lower energy use, LED lighting solutions, the Neher-McGrath formula, and NFPA 72-2016 changes were Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s five most clicked articles from last week, August 11-17. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: August 15
This week Morrissey Goodale reported two deals in the United States and three international deals involving companies from the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, and Japan.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: August 8
This week Morrissey Goodale reported three deals in the United States and two international deals involving companies from the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
Project profile: Installing a large clean agent system in a complex environment
A government data center opted for a clean agent suppression system to protect its mission critical facility.
IEEE to publish 2017 preprint of National Electric Safety Code for comment in its 100th year
IEEE announced that the IEEE Standards Association (IEEE-SA) will publish and open for commentary a preprint of proposed changes to the 2017 Edition of the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC).
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: August 1
This week Morrissey Goodale reported three deals in the United States and one international deal involving companies from the United Kingdom and The Netherlands.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: July 25
This week Morrissey Goodale reported one deal in the United States and four international deals involving companies from Spain, Mexico, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Brazil, France, and Australia.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles, July 14-20: NFPA 72-2016, commissioning, LED lighting, more
Articles about NFPA 72-2016 proposed changes, commissioning electrical and power systems, LED lighting, engineering manufacturing and industrial buildings, and smoke control system testing were Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s five most clicked articles from last week, July 14-20. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: July 18
This week Morrissey Goodale reported three deals in the United States and six international deals involving companies from Canada, the United Kingdom, Norway, the United States, Germany, Spain, and South Africa.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles, July 7-13: Commissioning, industrial buildings, electrical systems, more
Articles about commissioning electrical and power systems, engineering manufacturing and industrial buildings, electrical systems, NFPA 99-2012 changes, and power plant reliability were Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s five most clicked articles from last week, July 7-13. Were you out last week? Miss something? You can catch up here.
Active, passive protection and building codes
Several resources provide guidance on both active and passive fire protection.
The role of standards development in grid modernization
Standards development is playing a big part in the ongoing rollout of the Smart Grid.
NFPA 72-2016 proposed changes
NFPA 72: National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code technical committees have been busy reviewing and preparing revisions to the 2013 edition of the code that will ultimately be published in the 2016 edition. Here's a look at changes that may have a significant impact on fire alarm design.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles, June 30 to July 6: Smoke control testing, glazing systems, resume building, more
Articles about smoke control system testing, glazing systems, 10 things to include on your resume, NFPA 99-2012 changes, and how to engineer manufacturing and industrial buildings were Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s five most clicked articles from last week, June 30 to July 6. Were you out last week? Miss something. You can catch up here.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: July 3
This week Morrissey Goodale reported two deals in the United States involving companies from Virginia, Florida and Ohio along with one international deals involving two companies from the United Kingdom.
Listed, labeled, and defined in the National Electrical Code
What exactly does "listed and labeled as defined in NFPA 70" mean?
How to engineer manufacturing, industrial buildings: Electrical and power systems
Manufacturing and industrial facilities can be particularly complex projects, involving large facilities containing behemoth machinery, hazardous chemicals, and a range of other concerns. The draw on the local power system is a key factor for electrical engineers to consider.
How to engineer manufacturing, industrial buildings: Fire and life safety
Manufacturing and industrial facilities can be particularly complex projects, involving large facilities containing behemoth machinery, hazardous chemicals, and a range of other concerns. Fire and life safety systems are at the forefront in these buildings.
Fire market to embrace wireless and IP technologies?
The fire market is starting to see increased interest in wireless and IP-enabled products.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: June 27
This week Morrissey Goodale reported three deals in the United States and three international deals involving companies from Canada, Ireland, Australia, and India.
Multi-sensors gaining share of the detector market
IHS forecasts the global multi-sensor detector market to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.0% from 2013 to 2018.
Commissioning electrical and power systems
Essential/standby power equipment and system components are some of the most critical electrical systems to be commissioned in nonresidential buildings.
Common Cx roadblocks
There are several mistakes a commissioning agent can make that will create roadblocks in the commissioning process.
EPSS classifications
NFPA 99, NFPA 101, and NFPA 110 establish the minimum requirements for defining the level, type, and class of EPSS.
Commissioning lessons from the field
These are five lessons learned from commissioning projects. Anyone new to commissioning can learn from these tips.
ASHRAE’s BAS guideline published, open for public review
Guidance on performance monitoring is featured in a newly published guideline from ASHRAE.
Electrical systems: Designing electrical rooms—your questions answered
In addition to the questions answered in the webcast event, the presenters answered several questions about designing electrical rooms.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: June 20
This week Morrissey Goodale reported one deal in the United States and three international deals involving companies from the United Kingdom, Brazil, and Denmark.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles, June 9-15
Articles about LED retrofit codes and standards, arc reduction code requirements, arc flash protection techniques, the 40 Under 40 winners, and applying smart building technologies at a college were Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s five most clicked articles from last week, June 9-15. Were you out last week? Miss something. You can catch up here.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: June 13
This week Morrissey Goodale reported two deals in the United States and one international deal involving companies from Sweden and Canada.
Project Profile: Hospital complex cultivates healthy fire protection
Over the course of 10 years, St. Peter’s Hospital has updated its fire and life safety system.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: June 6
This week Morrissey Goodale reported two deals in the United States and four international deals involving companies from Canada, Australia, Germany, and France.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: May 30
This week Morrissey Goodale reported four deals in the United States involving companies from Maryland, Texas, Virginia, Massachusetts, West Virginia, and Arizona.
What decreased R&D funding means for the Smart Grid
With industries focused on efficiency, and governments emphasizing austerity, where will the funding come from for research and development (R&D), which drives systems-level standards innovation?
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: May 23
This week Morrissey Goodale reported three deals in the United States involving companies from Virginia, Texas, Ohio, and Michigan as well as an international deal involving companies from the United Kingdom and Illinois.
NFPA 110: Standard for Emergency and Standby Power Systems extended Q&A
Recent Consulting-Specifying Engineer webcast presenters Tom Divine, PE, Project Manager, Smith Seckman Reid Inc., and Kenneth Kutsmeda, PE, LEED AP, Jacobs Engineering, answer reader questions about what new code requirements will mean for consulting engineers.
2014 40 Under 40 winners
The seventh annual 40 Under 40 award winners are a dynamic bunch with the future of the industry in their sights.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: May 16
This week Morrissey Goodale reported one deal in the U.S. involving companies from Idaho and New Jersey as well as the potential sale of Parsons Brinckerhoff.
LED retrofit codes, standards
Clients are asking lighting designers to help them save on energy costs. Replacing fluorescent, HID, or other lights with LEDs is in high demand.
Focus on electrical safety measures during National Electrical Safety Month
The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) is taking things back to the basics to ensure a fundamental understanding of electrical safety during National Electrical Safety Month.
Critical Power: NFPA 110: Standard for Emergency and Standby Power Systems
In the Consulting-Specifying Engineer's May 8 webcast, Tom Divine, PE, Smith Seckman Reid Inc., and Kenneth Kutsmeda, PE, LEED, AP, Jacobs Engineering, discussed how consulting engineers who specify emergency power equipment for mission critical facilities will be impacted by new code requirements.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: May 9
This week Morrissey Goodale reported six deals in the United States and one international deal involving companies from the United Kingdom.
Arup Thoughts: Resilience-based earthquake design saves cost, heartache
If San Francisco were to experience a repeat of its devastating 1906 earthquake, modern building codes should prevent extensive loss of life. Although buildings might not collapse, they could still be rendered useless for years, severely disrupting the life of the city. This is why we need to adopt resilience-based design.
National electrical safety code to be opened for comment
A pre-print of the 2017 national electrical safety code (NESC) will open for comment 100 years after the NESC was first introduced. IEEE-SA will publish and open commentary on the preprint of proposed changes to the 2017 Edition of the NESC beginning Sept. 1, 2014.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: May 2
This week Morrissey Goodale reported two deals in the Uniuted States involving companies from Ohio, Washington, and Hawaii; an international deal involving two companies from the UK was also reported.
How will you meet new code requirements for arc reduction?: Q&A Session
Arc flash incidents occur all too often and impact many lives. To address the problem in the industry, NEC 240.87 was developed to ensure arc flash safety in the electrical industry. Three industry experts weigh in through an extensive Q & A.
Designing a winning sports venue
Sports and entertainment arenas are more than just seats and a playing field; they are highly complex structures bringing in thousands of fans—and millions of dollars—every year. Engineers with experience in the field share advice on putting together a strong game plan and ending up a champion.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: April 25
This week Morrissey Goodale reported three deals in the United States involving companies from Utah, California, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and New York.
Code requirements for arc flash reduction
NEC 240.87 is an important leap in arc flash safety for the electrical industry. This is a recap of an Eaton-sponsored webcast on April 24, which highlighted the 2014 standard.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: April 18
This week Morrissey Goodale reported five deals in the United States and two international deals involving companies from Canada and the United Kingdom.
Resources for boiler codes and standards
Know the codes, standards, and resources when working on boilers and boiler system design.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles, April 6-12
Were you out last week? Miss something? Here are Consulting-Specifying Engineer ’s five most-clicked articles from last week, April 6-12, including articles about electric fire pumps, arc flash protection techniques, selecting energy-efficient transformers, soft and hard metric conversions, and integrating power monitoring systems.
Designing efficient, effective boilers
Several codes and standards regulate boiler specification, plus energy efficiency and efficacy of these boiler systems.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: April 11
This week Morrissey Goodale reported three deals in the United States and two international deals involving companies from the United Kingdom, France, and Canada. One of the international deals involved a company from the United States. The deals in the United States involved companies from California, Illinois, and Wisconsin.
Soft and hard metric conversions
"Soft metric" is not a mix of imperial and metric measurements, and the Dept. of Defense does not recommend it for engineering drawings.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles, March 30 to April 5
Were you out last week? Miss something? Here are Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s five most-clicked articles from last week, March 30 to April 5, including articles about HVAC commissioning, arc flash protection techniques, integrating a high-performance building, NFPA 92, and supplying power for electric fire pumps.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: April 4
This week Morrissey Goodale reported two deals in the United States and five international deals involving companies from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. Two of the five international deals involved companies based in the United States.
Generator ratings and the implications for data centers
Understanding how generator ratings are determined is quite simple, but there is a long list of variables to consider. This reviews the fundamentals of generator ratings and a recent industry discussion about specific ratings for generators in data centers.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: March 28
This week Morrissey Goodale reported two deals in the United States and two international deals involving companies based in the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and Australia.
Supplying power for electric fire pumps
Power is a key element in ensuring a fire pump works in an emergency situation. This article touches on relevant fire codes and offers best practices to illustrate proper design of power for fire pumps.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: March 21
This week Morrissey Goodale reported two deals in the United States, one of which involved a company in Australia.
NFPA 92 defines design, testing of smoke control systems
NFPA 92: Standard for Smoke Control Systems provides fire protection engineers with guidance for the design and testing of smoke control systems.
Specifying for sustainability: Reference standards
Every engineer needs a benchmark. In specifying, that's a reference standard.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles, March 10-16, 2014
Were you out last week? Miss something? Here are the Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s five most-clicked pieces of content from last week, March 10-16, including articles about standby generators, HVAC systems, data center design, ASHRAE 90.1-2013, and Morrissey Goodale's merger and acquisition report.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: March 14
This week Morrissey Goodale reported three deals in the United States and three international deals involving Canada, Australia, Switzerland, and South Africa.
Consulting-Specifying Engineer 2014 Fire & Life Safety Study: Seven trends that matter to engineers
According to the data in this report, fire protection engineers are specifying systems into several key building types: office buildings, industrial/manufacturing facilities, and government/military buildings. View seven key findings and access the full 2014 Fire and Life Safety Study.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: March 7
This week Morrissey Goodale reported three deals in the United States and four international deals involving France, Canada, China, Hong Kong, and The Netherlands. Two of the international deals involved companies based in the United States.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles, Feb. 10-16, 2014
Were you out last week? Miss something? Here are Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s five most clicked articles from last week, Feb. 10-16, 2014, including articles about lighting control requirements, VFD and motor strategies, Schneider Electric and Invensys, dc power systems, and data centers.
Critical power: Generators and generator system design
When designing generator systems, consulting engineers must ensure that the generators and the building electrical systems that they support are appropriate for the specific application.
Top 5 Consulting-Specifying Engineer stories, Jan. 26-Feb. 1, 2014
Were you out last week? Miss something? Here are Consulting-Specifying Engineer's five most clicked articles from last week, Jan. 26-Feb. 1, 2014, including articles about ASHRAE 90.1-2013, GFCI’s, laboratory ventilation systems, Schneider Electric and Invensys, and NFPA 20.
Top five Consulting-Specifying Engineer stories, Jan. 20-26, 2014
Were you out last week? Miss something? Here are Consulting-Specifying Engineer's five most clicked articles from last week, Jan. 20-26, 2014, including articles about Lighting commissioning, selecting an air handling unit, transformers for commercial buildings, transfer switches, and arc flash hazards.
Data center design: Fire and life safety
In the information age, data centers are one of the most critical components of a facility. If the data center isn’t reliable, business can’t be done. Fire and life safety issues are tackled here.
Lighting control requirements: What’s current and what to expect
This article examines lighting control requirements in various codes and standards, commissioning these controls, and what engineers may expect in the future.
Weekly merger, acquisition, deal update: January 3
This week Morrissey Goodale reported two deals in the United States and two international deals involving England, France, and Saudi Arabia.
Commissioning buildings, systems using ASHRAE Standard 202
ASHRAE Standard 202-2013 was recently released, which offers guidance on the building commissioning process.
Smart Grid Standard 201P status check
ASHRAE and NEMA have jointly sponsored Standard 201P: Facility Smart Grid Information Model. Here’s a look at where the standard is today.
Prescription for fire/life safety design in hospitals, health care facilities
Hospital and health care facility projects are especially important due to their sensitive nature. Fire and life safety are key in hospital design.
Prescription for hospital, health care facility success
Hospital and health care facility projects are especially important due to their sensitive nature. Engineers charged with designing these buildings must take special care when working in these mission critical facilities.
Comments sought for proposed data center energy standard
ASHRAE's Standard 90.4P: Energy Standard for Data Centers and Telecommunications Buildings is open for public review and comment until Dec. 30, 2013.
Integration: Power and fire/life safety systems
Integrating power and life safety systems requires an understanding of the sources of power and the life safety system load requirements.
Commissioning, testing gensets using resistive/reactive load banks
Consulting engineers can help their clients by conveying to them the importance of including reactive load bank testing during commissioning and periodically during normal operations.
Top 10 things to know about commissioning fire protection systems
Fire protection engineers should use NFPA 3 as guidance on commissioning for fire protection and life safety systems.
ASHRAE 90.1-2013 addenda released
Major changes to ASHRAE Standard 90.1 include the sections on building envelope, lighting, mechanical, and energy cost budget.
Integrating BAS, electrical systems
Integrating electrical systems with BAS can promote operational efficiencies, optimize maintenance staff effectiveness, and leverage fault diagnostics.
Choosing between grounded and ungrounded electrical system designs
Understanding both grounded and ungrounded electrical systems enables engineers to apply the appropriate grounding topology for the electrical system requirements.
Medium-voltage electrical system protection
Overcurrent protection is required for medium-voltage transformers, and connecting these transformers is common for medium-voltage distribution systems.
Medium-voltage fused switchgear example
This example illustrates the results from an MV fused switchgear feeding a pad-mounted or dry-type transformer.
Medium-voltage breaker switchgear example (oil-filled power transformer)
Below is an example of a MV breaker switchgear feeding a 12 MVA power transformer.
Medium-voltage breaker switchgear example (800 amp service)
Below is an example on an MV breaker switchgear feeding a loop distribution system.
Tips and tricks for commissioning, balancing buildings: Electrical and power systems
Building commissioning is one of the most important (and complex) types of projects an engineer can be tasked with. Electrical engineering, power, and energy issues are discussed.
Integration: Building automation and fire alarms
The building automation system can control all aspects of a building or campus, including its fire alarm system. This outlines best practices for integrating a fire alarm into a BAS.
PECI, BCA release commissioning survey
The survey from PECI and the BCA reveal code changes and green certifications are driving new levels of demand for commissioning, training.
NEC Chapter 2: Wiring and protection
NFPA 70: National Electrical Code Chapter 2 (Article 200) covers the use and identification of grounded conductors, providing requirements for identification of terminals, wiring systems, and grounded conductors. This is a quick overview of the code.
Webcast: Circuit protection in health care facilities
Designing electrical systems for health care facilities—especially hospitals—is more demanding than for conventional buildings because the stakes are so high.
Send in the engineering troops
Military facilities present an army of challenges—exacting codes and regulations, stepped-up security issues, and budgetary concerns. Here, engineers who’ve earned their stripes on such projects share advice on how to win the battle.
Organizations should act now on Local Law 87
Local Law 87 is about to impact New York City's built environment in a big way as the law requires buildings to undertake energy audits and retro-commissioning—leading to energy efficiency retrofits and hopefully major cost savings and energy savings.
Clarifying NEC Articles 725 and 800
Electrical engineers should understand the differences between NEC Article 725 and Article 800, and how to apply them in low-voltage telecom projects.
NEBB standard open for review
NEBB's Procedural Standards for the Technical Retro-Commissioning of Existing Building Systems, 2013 – Second Edition is open for comment until July 12, 2013.
NFPA 20: More key factors to consider
Other issues you should be aware of with the additions to the 2013 edition of NFPA 20.
Engineering systems in manufacturing, industrial buildings: Energy efficiency
Manufacturing and industrial facilities have some unusual engineering requirements, and focus significant time on enhancing energy efficiency.
Engineering systems in manufacturing, industrial buildings
Manufacturing and industrial facilities have some unusual engineering requirements, especially air handling, power needs, and fire/life safety systems.
Things to keep in mind when analyzing daylighting in AGi32
Accurate daylight analysis requires using the correct surface designation for exterior, but not interior, surfaces.
How to use NFPA 99
There are many changes to NFPA 99-2012. Engineers should review the code carefully to better understand how it affects electrical systems, risk assessments, and other pertinent topics.
2013 40 Under 40: Joseph Watson, 35
Senior Fire Protection Engineer, Hughes Associates Inc., Warwick, R.I.
ASHRAE Guideline 1.4P open for public review
A proposed guideline that will establish a uniform procedure for transmitting design, construction, testing, and operational information to building owners and operators is open for public comment.
Resolving the LOD dilemma
In late 2011, Cannon Design issued a series of process documents related to the effective employment of Revit as a BIM tool.
Sports, entertainment venues: Codes and standards
Sports arenas and entertainment facilities involve complex engineering solutions. Five consulting engineers offer codes and standards advice.
Mahoney set to contribute to new TDMM edition
Thanks to Pat Mahoney the next edition of the No. 1 reference standard in the world for the proper design of structured cabling systems will have been influenced by Cannon Design.
ICU sink and faucet system
The integrated ICU handwashing sink and faucet system from American Standard is designed to minimize splashing and create a more hygienic environment.
Lighting and lighting controls
Read about the 21 finalists in the Lighting and Lighting Controls category for the Consulting-Specifying Engineer 2013 Product of the Year competition.
Addenda to ASHRAE 90.1 open for comment
ASHRAE 90.1-2013, scheduled for publication later this year, has changes being proposed to strengthen its requirements.
New features of NFPA 72-2013
NFPA has released updates to NFPA 72: National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code. This codes and standards article identifies some of the significant changes in NFPA 72-2013 that you will want to be aware of.
Spec’ing hospital electrical distribution systems
When specifying electrical distribution systems in hospitals, the engineer must account for the facility’s size, flexibility needs, emergency power needs, and safety requirements.
BACnet standard improves alarm handling
Changes to the newly published BACnet standard from ASHRAE will encourage smart lighting controls and other building automation control systems.
Optimum performance standards/processes
Successful projects follow performance standards from project start to end.
The balance of power
Successful projects adopt best practices from project requirements through deliverables.
Lighting efficiency improvements proposed for ASHRAE 90.1
Proposed changes to ASHRAE 90.1 will require automatic lighting controls in more space types and shorten the times before lighting is automatically reduced or shut off.
Six Organizations that Influence Grid Modernization
Take a look at influential organizations that are shaping the landscape of grid modernization, each in their own way.
ASHRAE protocols for measuring building performance published
ASHRAE has published the "Performance Measurement Procedures for Commercial Buildings: Best Practices Guide," providing steps and advice to manage and improve a facility's performance.
The Value of Participating in Standards Setting: For Your Company
By participating in the standards-setting process, you represent your company and establish it as a leader in seeking global solutions that promote industry growth.
ASHRAE 188P open for public comment
ASHRAE 188P is open for a public review. Standard 188P, Prevention of Legionellosis Associated with Building Water Systems, specifies what must be done to control the spread of legionellosis.
Setting Standards: The Benefits to Getting Involved
This week let's step back and ensure that CSEs understand the benefits of being involved in the standards setting process.
ASHRAE 90.1-2010 sets the energy standard
The widely used energy standard reaches an inflection point that demands both efficient design and accountability from building inhabitants.
Geothermal piping standard published
Geothermal piping systems standard NSF/ANSI 358-1, written by NSF International, evaluates safety and performance of polyethylene piping.
Meeting the challenges of globalization
This firm’s globalization process has come with many “lessons learned.”
ASHRAE chiller efficiency improvements proposed
ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1-2010 addendum ch is open for public review.
Public review open for Standard 189.3P
ASHRAE/ASHE Standard 189.3P for sustainable, green health care facilities is open for public review until Jan. 21, 2013.
Additional compliance path proposed for ASHRAE/IES energy standard
The proposed addendum would add a compliance path to Standard 90.1 to allow modeling in accordance with Appendix G (Performance Rating Method), provided the percentage improvement of at least 45% over a baseline design.
New handbook address smoke control challenges
Handbook of Smoke Control Engineering discusses myths about stack effect and the challenges of elevator pressurization
Breathing life into commissioning
Building commissioning is becoming a standard of nearly all aspects of engineering.
Updates to Standard 189.1 proposed
Several updates are proposed for ANSI/ASHRAE/USGBC/IES Standard 189.1-2011, Standard for the Design of High-Performance, Green Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings.
Assessing vendor claims on time resolution in IEDs
Here are some tips for assessing vendors' devices that accept time inputs.
Cosentini names Harrod as VP
Peter Harrod, an expert in code compliance solutions, joins Cosentini as a VP in the company's Massachusetts office.
Understanding diesel emissions regulation changes
Engineers and designers should understand how continually evolving diesel emissions regulations affect them and their clients.
Decoding the green construction codes
Engineers should understand the difference between IgCC and ASHRAE 189.1 energy compliance code provisions.
Solar energy, hydronics code in the works
The RPA Codes and Standards Committee is partnering with the International Assn. of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials to create an ANSI-accredited Solar Energy and Hydronics Code.
Standard 90.1 open for public review
Proposed changes to ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1-2010 would improve lighting and equipment efficiencies.
ASHRAE proposes standard on commissioning process
ASHRAE’s standard focused on the commissioning process is open for public comment until Oct. 1, 2012.
Unraveling mysteries of BAS wireless controls
There is quite a bit of flux in the wireless building instrumentation and controls protocol market with numerous players jockeying for dominance. Here’s a look at several of them.
Use the right resources to specify LEDs
The Illuminating Engineering Society, through its publications, has helped engineers make informed decisions on which LED light sources they should specify.
Smart Grid standard proposed, open for comment
A proposed standard by ASHRAE and NEMA to create smart facilities supporting a national Smart Grid effort is open for public comment.
Clean commissioning requirements
This seminar provides an example cleanroom, explains the different standards that can have an impact on cleanroom commissioning, and presents an outline for commissioning the example cleanroom.
Innovating our way through the recession
One of the best things about being in the engineering field is that we get to witness new technologies and processes as soon as they're on the market--new products, groundbreaking projects, and unique engineering solutions.
Sorting out the changes in NFPA 70E-2012
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) revises NFPA 70E: Standards for Electrical Safety in the Workplace every three years. The latest version, the 2012 edition, was released in September 2011. Here, a group of experts explain how the current version of NFPA 70E affects how engineers specify and design electrical systems.
Smoke control handbook published
ASHRAE's "Handbook of Smoke Control Engineering" provides information on the analysis of smoke control systems.
Economic analysis in individual project selection
Using net present value analysis instead of the rate of return will treat investment scale as one of the key value drivers, and will help engineers select money-making projects.
Documenting ASHRAE 90.1 compliance
There are three paths to ASHRAE 90.1 compliance, and documenting compliance with Standard 90.1 is not as difficult or confusing as engineers believe it to be.
MEP Roundtable: Industrial strength
Manufacturing and industrial structures can have wide-ranging engineering needs, depending on the processes conducted inside.
National Electrical Code changes open for public comment
The NFPA will be voting on changes to the National Electrical Code in 2013 in Chicago. Public comment on potential changes is open until October 2012.
ASHRAE Handbook offers guidance on variable refrigerant flow
The 2012 ASHRAE Handbook features a chapter on new guidance for variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems.
California makes changes to building energy efficiency standards
The California Energy Commission is making rule changes for the Building Energy Efficiency Standards.
Fan efficiency standard approved
ANSI and AMCA approved Standard 205, which defines fan efficiency grades (FEG), an energy efficiency classification for fans.
Systems integration benefits
Building operations are challenged by insufficient financial and human resources and ever-expanding scopes of responsibility. Systems integration and analytics are a means of doing more with less.
NFPA 99: New healthcare facility code requirements
The National Fire Protection Assn. sets forth the criteria to minimize the hazards of fire, explosion, and electricity in healthcare facilities providing services to human beings.
Commissioning clean agent fire extinguishing systems
Commissioning of clean agent fire extinguishing systems goes beyond acceptance testing to verify that connected systems accomplish fire protection goals.
ASHRAE launches wiki site
Common definitions for terms found in ASHRAE standards and other publications can now be found.
Electrical systems from the AHJ’s viewpoint
Electrical inspectors see a lot of mistakes that can be easily avoided. This inspector points out a few quirks of the code.
Balance, quality level standard for fans approved
The ANSI/AMCA document "Balance Quality and Vibration Levels for Fans" has been reaffirmed as standard.
Lab testing standards for dampers approved
ANSI and AMCA have approved "ANSI/AMCA Standard 500-D-2012, “Laboratory Methods of Testing Dampers for Rating."
Air curtain test standards approved
ANSI and AMCA have approved the document, "Laboratory Methods of Testing Air Curtain Units for Aerodynamic Performance Rating," for use.
World of difference
Conducting business overseas can be a challenge of global proportions. Figure in language barriers, culture clashes, lack of adequate infrastructure, and climate differences, and a project that would be difficult even in your home country becomes downright daunting. Here, engineers with experience on international projects offer worldly advice.
The magic of innovation
What do the automated teller machine, Kodak Photo CD, and the fax machine have in common? On the surface, it doesn’t seem like much. Each of these products, however, started out as an award-winning technology in the pages of a magazine.
Classifying generator power sources
The NEC has several categories that apply to generator power sources. It is important to review the code requirements when deciding on the classification of an alternate power source.
HVAC: documenting ASHRAE 62.1 compliance
Standard 62.1 specifies minimum ventilation rates and other measures intended to provide IAQ to building occupants.
Specifying LEDs for commercial use
Good lighting enhances design, conserves energy, and increases productivity, safety, security, personal comfort, sales, attendance, and profit.
Code strategies for mixed occupancy buildings: tables
The code application options for mixed occupancy buildings, when applied strategically, can minimize the amount of fire-resistance-rated construction required by code.
Code strategies for mixed occupancy buildings
The code application options for mixed occupancy buildings, when applied strategically, can minimize the amount of fire-resistance-rated construction required by code.
Top Consulting-Specifying Engineer Articles, March 2012
The most visited articles at www.csemag.com during March 2012 include changes in the NEC, how to save water in commercial buildings, LEED changes, analyzing the lifecycle of HVAC systems, and active high-speed switching mitigating arc flash.
LEED 2012 anticipated changes
Performance accountability and design integration are key to the anticipated changes to the energy and atmosphere credits, with green hospitals and data centers on the horizon.
Key changes in the 2011 NEC
The most recent National Electrical Code (NEC) edition has some important changes.
NEBB releases guidelines for refrigeration, building envelope testing
The National Environmental Balancing Bureau (NEBB) has released two separate publications, providing guidelines for commissioning refrigeration systems and for building envelope testing.
How Standard 90.1-2010 will affect HVAC designs
ASHRAE 90.1-2010 is a substantial step forward in reducing building energy consumption. Designers should become familiar with the requirements of this energy standard.
RPA membership ratifies move to IAPMO
The Radiant Professionals Alliance (RPA) membership ratified a move to join the International Assn. of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO).
Public review for latest ASPE standard
ASPE Plumbing Engineering and Design Standard 15: Hot Water Temperature and Control is open for public review and comment until Dec. 30, 2011.
Confirm UL approval on gensets
Generator sets should be Underwriters Laboratories (UL) 2200 listed. Confirmation of this approval before installation and commissioning is crucial.
Achieving optimal fan performance
Improper fan design can waste energy, produce excessive noise, and lead to increased system downtime. Design correctly–the first time around.
Interconnection standards for the Smart Grid
The codes and standards defining the Smart Grid and renewable energy sources are maturing.
Diagnosing, resolving ATS timing issues
Generator load transfer timing is critical during power disruptions.
Implementing variable refrigerant flow systems
Several challenges and opportunities face HVAC engineers when implementing variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems.
Commissioning hospital electrical systems
Electrical systems in today’s hospitals should be commissioned as an integral part of every healthcare engineering project.
Updating HVAC standards
Staying informed on codes and standards is imperative to keep your knowledge current—from ASHRAE to USGBC.
Performing enhanced commissioning design review
Commissioning agents should inspect and test building systems early in the design process.
Stainless piping system certified
Viega's ProPress system received certification by the Technical Standards and Safety Authority for its fittings.
Commercial wireless BAS
The protocol, applications, and design approach for wireless sensor expansion in commercial BAS are in a state of flux, and are moving forward quickly.
AIA introduces five new documents
New documents based on concepts and model language included in the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Guide for Sustainable Projects.
Vince Rea appointed to NFPA Codes and Standards committee
TLC Engineering for Architecture's Vince Rea, a senior electrical engineer, was named to the NFPA's Codes and Standards Electrical Section.
Focus on: Lighting controls and codes
Engineers and lighting designers should know the new lighting and lighting control requirements for ASHRAE 90.1-2010.
ISO 50001: The new energy management paradigm
ISO 50001 defines how facility executives can establish an energy management plan.
ZigBee Alliance ratifies automation standard
ZigBee's Building Automation standard is designed to be a global standard for interoperable products for monitoring and control of commercial building systems.
Rainwater catchment systems standard created
ASPE and ARCSA have reached an agreement for a standard on rainwater catchment systems.
Revised RP/DC backflow standards available
ASSE's revised RP/DC Backflow Standards have been recognized by ANSI and were worked on in conjunction with FM, IAPMO, and the USC Foundation for Cross-Connection Control and Hydraulic Research.
AHRI launches VRF certification program
AHRI's certification program is for variable refrigerant flow (VRF) multi-split air conditioners and heat pumps.
Proactively preparing for the Smart Grid
The ability to measure and benchmark building performance is an integral component of Smart Grid technologies; building owners that implement data collection systems now will be better positioned for Smart Grid adoption down the road.
Understanding Tier 4 requirements: Ensuring cost-effective compliance
One of the main issues currently affecting the power generation industry is the applicability of Tier 4 certification versus Tier 4 compliance.
AHR Expo in Chicago in 2012
The AHR Expo, scheduled for Jan. 23 to 25, 2012, at McCormick Place in Chicago, will feature more than 90 programs and more than 300 speakers
Standards committee on building automation created
The International Society of Automation has announced the creation of ISA111, Unified Automation for Buildings, to develop standards and guidelines for a cohesive BAS.
Know the newest lighting code
ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA 90.1-2010 has a variety of lighting and lighting controls changes. The goal of the newest version was to create a standard that could be used to produce buildings that are 30% more efficient than those designed with the 2004 standards.
Going beyond the code
The New York Times Building is a 52-story tower with 1.5 million gross sq ft and is a mix of both office and retail uses with open spaces and floor-to-ceiling glass walls.
Smart Grid research revelations
Building owners are looking forward to data-driven energy management opportunities, but need utilities to communicate a Smart Grid value proposition.
Achieving net zero with geothermal systems
A net zero building has a neutral carbon footprint, uses only renewable energy, and is net zero in terms of energy, water, and waste. Geothermal systems are one option to achieving this net zero goal.
Using chiller plants in humid zones
Dual chiller plants achieved energy efficiency for a federal office building in Washington, D.C.—a humid climate.
Working in harmony
Why isn’t there more integration as a whole in our industry?
Top Consulting-Specifying Engineer Articles, June 2011
Most visited articles at www.csemag.com during June 2011 included technical articles about selecting the right transformer, Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s 40 Under 40 Program, choosing a chilled water cooling system, designing smart restrooms, and testing mission critical power systems.
Lighting for comprehensive energy management
Schneider Electric introduces LPS Standalone relay panel
Developing a detailed test, balance plan
A detailed test and balance plan can help avoid timing issues and conflicts in the construction of a nonresidential building.
Chiller earns California seismic preapproval
California OSHPD announces chiller by Johnson Controls
ASHRAE, NEBB consolidation
Collaboration between the two organizations could lead to higher performance standards; ASHRAE seeks input from members.
AMCA names director of strategic energy initiatives
The Air Movement and Control Association International has named Michael Ivanovich to a newly created director position.
PV system installation and maintenance
Engineers should know the basics of photovoltaic system selection, specification, and testing to provide clients with the safest product.
Designing smart restrooms
Plumbing engineers should know the code when designing ADA-compliant and green restrooms.
Selecting, sizing transformers for commercial buildings
While commercial building designs change, their electrical loads remain fundamentally unchanged. Properly sizing and selecting transformers ensures that these loads are accommodated.
ASHRAE 32P open for public comment
ASHRAE Guideline 32P aims to improve the performance of all buildings by providing guidance on optimizing operation and maintenance of buildings to achieve low costs without sacrificing safety or functionality.
2011 40 Under 40: Michelle Farrell, LEED AP, 29
EU Business Development/Sustainability Project Consultant, Integrated Environmental Solutions, Boston
2011 40 Under 40: Craig Fredeen, PE, LEED AP, 37
Senior Associate and Manager of Mechanical Engineering Department, PDC Inc. Engineers, Anchorage, Alaska
2011 40 Under 40: Xianxu “Sherri” Hu, PE, 34
Fire Protection Engineer, Insurance Services Office, Jersey City, N.J.
2011 40 Under 40: Jessica “Jessie” Jones, EIT, LEED AP, 27
Director of Sustainable Services, The RMH Group, Lakewood, Colo.
2011 40 Under 40: Marcus Keay, LEED AP, 39
Vice President, WSP Flack+Kurtz, San Francisco
2011 40 Under 40: Ryan Stoianowski, LEED AP, 29
Senior Program Manager, ComEd, Oakbrook Terrace, Ill.
2011 40 Under 40: Christian Taber, LEED AP, CEM, 35
Senior Applications Engineer, Big Ass Fan Co., Lexington, Ky.
2011 POY Finalists: Test Instruments, Meters, Data-loggers
Finalists in Test Instruments, Meters, and Data-loggers in Consulting-Specifying Engineer's 2011 Product of the Year competition
2011 POY Finalists: Software – Design, Modeling, Analysis
Finalists in Software: Design, Modeling, Analysis in Consulting-Specifying Engineer's 2011 Product of the Year competition
2011 POY Finalists: Networked BAS, EMS
Finalists in Networked Building Automation Systems/Controls, Energy Management Systems in Consulting-Specifying Engineer's 2011 Product of the Year competition
2011 POY Finalists: HVAC/R
Finalists in HVAC/R in Consulting-Specifying Engineer's 2011 Product of the Year competition
2011 POY Finalists: Electrical Distribution
Finalists in Electrical Distribution in Consulting-Specifying Engineer's 2011 Product of the Year competition
Energy monitor
Finalist in Electrical Distribution in Consulting-Specifying Engineer's 2011 Product of the Year competition
Magnetic centrifugal chiller
Finalist in HVAC/R in Consulting-Specifying Engineer's 2011 Product of the Year competition
Air conditioning unit
Finalist in HVAC/R in Consulting-Specifying Engineer's 2011 Product of the Year competition
Solar impact sensor
Finalist in Networked Building Automation Systems/Controls, Energy Management Systems in Consulting-Specifying Engineer's 2011 Product of the Year competition
Power system software
Finalist in Software: Design, Modeling, Analysis in Consulting-Specifying Engineer's 2011 Product of the Year competition
Labeling system
Finalist in Test Instruments, Meters, and Data-loggers in Consulting-Specifying Engineer's 2011 Product of the Year competition
Balancing a domestic hot water system
Testing and balancing a domestic hot water (DHW) system can diagnose and fix pressure and temperature control problems.
Renovating electrical distribution systems
How to decide what to keep and what to discard in an electrical distribution system.
Green building materials demand to expand 13%
Demand for certified lumber, recycled content concrete, green floor coverings, and other efficient fixtures will see double-digit growth through 2015.
H&A’s Smith attains BEMP certification
Stephen Smith, building science manager at H&A Architects & Engineers, has attained ASHRAE’s BEMP certification.
California legislates for new renewable energy targets
California is once again turning to wind energy and other renewables to power its future energy needs.
Daylighting sensors and controls
Daylight harvesting is an energy-saving tactic that relies on sensors and lighting controls to optimize natural light through a building’s windows and skylights.
Lighting controls: LEED Platinum in 15 days
In 2008, Boston-based developer Leggat McCall Properties decided to outfit its new 10,000-sq-ft office with energy-harvesting products from lighting control company ILLUMRA, a member of the EnOcean Alliance.
The sky is not falling
Current economic conditions are making some engineers believe that the end is near, and the sky is falling. From where I'm sitting, the sky is definitely not falling.
AIA’s guide for sustainable projects due out in May 2011
AIA Document D503-2011 has been developmed to assist users of AIA Contract Documents in understanding contractual considerations unique to sustainable design and construction projects.
Lighting controls study results
Study finds high lifetime value for advanced lighting controls, and greatest financial return for wireless technology
Trends in Renewable Energy Consumption and Electricity
Total Energy consumption declined for a second year in a row to its lowest level since 1996, dropping 10.1% in industrial areas.
6 steps to better data centers
Review existing data centers for improvement opportunities like power consumption and effective heating and cooling.
Improving lab design
Laboratory facilities have specific environmental integrity and safety requirements. Four experienced engineers share their thoughts on how well-designed systems impact the success of such structures.
Top Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles, March 2011
Most visited articles at www.csemag.com during March 2011 included content about seismic codes, electrical room design, the ASHRAE Ventilation Standard, and diesel generator noise.
Scroll chillers
McQuay International’s AGZ-D air-cooled scroll chillers can be used for small- to mid-sized building retrofits and new construction.
New developments in BACnet
The BACnet standard has been updated and refined recently, allowing for greater flexibility and interoperability.
Designing laboratory controls
Labs have unique building automation and HVAC control requirements. Here’s a look at two examples of university research labs.
Primera Engineers expands eastern U.S. office
Affan Abdullah, PE, has joined Primera as a Senior Project Manager in Power Delivery, based out of the firm's new King of Prussia, Pa., office.
ASHRAE publishes new guideline for indoor environments
The new guideline considers interactions of air quality, thermal conditions, lighting, and acoustics especially for low-energy buildings.
Who will be America’s Next Top Energy Innovator?
The Dept. of Energy will reduce the cost of licensing federal laboratory patents to boost startup energy companies in the latest national energy challenge.
As more commercial buildings go green, a few go ‘net-zero’
Florida's first commercial net-zero-energy building is generating more energy than it consumes.
High-accuracy sensors improve response, reduce costs for smart grid applications
S+C's IntelliRupter PulseCloser sensors respond to self-healing and protection applications for the smart grid with accuracy
Kenya plans Africa’s first utility-scale wind turbines
The Lake Turkana Wind Power consortium will provide 300 MW of wind power to Kenya’s national electricity grid by July 2012.
Too little, too late?
My late grandmother—a World War II U.S. Marine Corps veteran—always had a Plan B. When things didn’t go quite the way she wanted them to, she’d move onto Plan B, equally as detailed as Plan A, but not necessarily her first-choice option.
Power system test reports
Emerson Network Power debuts its ASCO PowerQuest test reports that help facilities comply with NFPA, NEC, and JCAHO reporting requirements.
Tips for data center efficiency
In a data center, the efficiencies of the cooling, power, and IT systems should be analyzed as a complete system so the true efficiency potential becomes apparent.
Treat yourself to training
This year, build a career habit to invest in sharpening your skills.
How to select the right motor starter
Engineers should consider various factors and different types of units when selecting a motor starter in a commercial building project.
USGBC sued for false advertising about LEED
A New York building energy consultant and three other plaintiffs charged that the USGBC exaggerates its claims of LEED’s energy efficiency.
Guidance on ASHRAE Ventilation Standard
Spreadsheet, examples guide engineers through implementing ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2010.
Las Vegas hotel wins American Architecture Award
The award was presented to the Aria Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, which saves 30% more energy than similar buildings.
Engineering a sustainable school
A Virginia school includes a geo-solar system in its HVAC upgrade. Engineers designed a system that was architecturally integrated, offering students a unique learning tool.
UL acquires photometric testing service company
Product safety certification company Underwriters Laboratories has expanded its photometric testing capability for solid state lighting.
System integration improves corporate campus
Johnson Controls' LEED-certified global headquarters in Glendale, Wis. features innovative lighting design and an HVAC system that integrates renewable energy sources among other sustainable technologies and systems.
China’s Smart Grid pilot underway
Honeywell was selected to provide demand-side management to help reduce strain on China’s utility infrastructure.
Gaseous-fueled generator sets
MTU’s line of gensets expands with the addition of seven gaseous-fueled generator sets, available in power nodes from 130 kW to 400 kW.
Shedding light on photovoltaic projects
The use of photovoltaic (PV) technology as a renewable energy source grew in 2010. Will this trend continue? PV projects can be challenging unless you know the ropes. Here a group of experts shed light on PV trends and how to approach these engineering projects.
Smart Grid panel agrees on standards
New Smart Grid standards allow consumers and utilities to communicate effectively.
Data center temperature specs change
Walking into an ice-cold data center is slowly becoming a thing of the past, with the days of 68 F computing facilities receding further into history.
BACnet web-based remote features added to existing line of automation systems
Siemens’ line of Apogee and Talon Building Automation Systems has been enhanced to include BACnet web-based remote system monitoring, commanding, alarm management, scheduling and trending functions – improving operator efficiency and convenience.
Colorado’s renewable energy rules survive
Three proposals to lower consumer rates and utility bills in Colorado, attacking the state’s recent clean-energy policies, have been rejected.
ASHRAE releases policy recommendations for new Congress
ASHRAE releases its potential roadmap for the federal government, highlights include energy policy and climate change, research funding, implementing energy efficient measures
Bent Tree Wind Farm up and running
The 122 turbine facility, located near Albert Lea, MN will produce enough electricity to power about 50,000 homes.
High-efficiency commercial air conditioners
The U.S. Department of Energy is joining with the private sector to develop and deploy high-efficiency air conditioners for commercial buildings. The new rooftop units are expected to reduce energy use by as much as 60 percent, according to the DOE.
NEMA pushes for standards-based product testing
The Smart Grid Interoperable and Conformant testing scheme, initiated by NEMA, is meant to ensure that interoperability of individual grid components can be confirmed on a consistent, industry-wide basis.
Top January articles tout energy efficiency
Most visited articles at www.csemag.com during January 2011 included details on the EPA’s Energy Star program, ASHRAE’s Standard 90.1, the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act, and California’s Green Building codes.
Rethinking the ‘smokeproof’ enclosure
Stair pressurization systems in high-rise buildings must be properly designed to avoid creating adverse conditions for egress. Alternate methods to pressurizing the stair bear further evaluation.
Commissioning for sound and vibration
Adding sound and vibration as an additional service brings added value to customers, the end user, and the building or facility.
ASHRAE 90.1 reduces energy consumption
ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1 – 2010, Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings, provides guidance for reducing energy consumption by more than 20% over savings realized in the 2004 version.
Modular data centers
Using a modular design approach in data centers will help lower capital spending while at the same time increase efficiency, reliability, and expandability.
Modular electrical systems get standardized
Modular electrical systems can achieve product variety through combinations of standardized components.
The flexible professor
The "Professor," Timothy M. Scruby, answers a few questions about himself, the Engineering Profession, Engineering Education.
Specifying LEDs in lighting design
Specifying engineers and lighting designers need to understand more about LEDs and the ways information is presented so we can provide clients with the best lighting options.
Energy Star frequently asked questions
Six frequently asked questions concerning the EPA's Energy Star Program and Portfolio Manger are addressed.
Keeping up with Standard 90.1
ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1-2010 includes some big changes, including its title, purpose, and scope.
SGCC signs joint agreement to develop smart grid
The State Grid Corp. of China has signed a strategic cooperation agreement with General Electric Co. and the Chinese Academy of Science to jointly develop smart grid standards. State Grid intends to build a nationwide smart grid to increase electricity transmission capacity.
Commercial Real Estate GDP Contribution Significant Despite Economic Decline
Study shows Commercial Real Estate Development and Construction annually contribute $288 billion to GDP; down from 2007 contribution of $549 billion. Commercial real estate development and construction is a perpetual and valuable economic engine, with spending and directly related outlays generating a significant financial impact and helping to counter the recessionary forces that have undermined the economy’s performance since December 2007.
Top Consulting-Specifying Engineer articles, December 2010
Most visited articles at www.csemag.com during December 2010 included the world’s largest wind project, what keeps engineers up at night, tailoring HVAC systems, arc hazard protection, and preparing for Smart Grid among other articles.
FAQs: New light bulb standards for California
These frequently asked questions address the new efficiency standards in California required to be met by light bulb manufacturers.
Two policies may change nature of sustainability in the US
Two important green regulations that have a long term influence on green building and renewable energy recently went into effect, and if successful, they could change the industry.
Illinois Expands Use of Renewable Energy
Governor Pat Quinn has announced that long-term agreements have been executed to advance the state’s ongoing efforts to expand renewable energy use, create green jobs and increase sustainability.
Green building’s top 10 trends for 2011
Green building and sustainability consultant Jerry Yudelson says that the green building industry will rebound in 2011 in spite of the continuing economic difficulties in most developed countries, citing 10 major trends.
Biggest Headlines from 2010 for the U.S. wind industry
The biggest headlines for the U.S. wind industry in 2010 held promise and foreboding for 2011. Slowed growth in the 2010 U.S. wind industry, advances in transmission, increases in offshore wind starts, continued growth in the international wind industry, and integration of renewable energy into the U.S. transmission system are just some of the headlines from 2010.
Conducting an arc flash study
Consulting engineers have an opportunity to provide real-time arc flash diagnostics remotely to their customers.
Preparing for air quality initiatives
Changing air quality regulations are affecting everyone from large industrial and power plants to small manufacturers, universities, and colleges. Uncertainty has always been a component of air quality regulations, but the number of changes underway and the magnitude of these changes is overwhelming.
US Army Adopts ASHRAE Standard 189.1
The United States Army has adopted ASHRAE Standard 189.1, which will include all new buildings and structures in both U.S. territories and abroad. The footprint of the existing Army buildings and structures covers more than 954 million square feet.
Primera hires group manager
Primera, a Chicago-based full-service engineering and design firm, has hired Craig Anderson, PE as a group manager. Anderson will lead the firm’s growing electrical engineering division.
D.C. to reveal energy performance data for 200 facilities
The District of Columbia on Wednesday posted energy performance data for nearly 200 of its municipal facilities to a public web site, a measure of energy transparency that only a few governments in the nation have taken.
U.S. House Approves Diesel Emissions Reduction Act
Congressional Passage of Bipartisan Environmental Legislation Reauthorizes Successful Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) for Five More Years.
Kendzel joins ASPE as executive director
Jim Kendzel has been named executive director/chief executive officer of the American Society of Plumbing Engineers.
Most Visited Articles on the Website during November
The most visited articles on the Consulting-Specifying Engineer website during November included articles on selecting VFDs, choosing LEDs, sustainable data center power, and firestopping exposed wires and cables.
12 New Year’s resolutions for engineers
Here’s a road map for career and company refinement and growth heading into 2011.
Right-sizing HVAC
Improperly designed HVAC systems can be a source of headaches. Too big for a project and they can lead to huge bills, both at the outset and over years of operation; too small, and they don’t provide adequate heating and cooling for the facility. Here, industry experts offer advice on tailoring HVAC systems just right, every time.
Mechanical and electrical engineering: Things that keep me up at night
There are several emerging mechanical and electrical engineering technical trends that are worrisome to this author.
DOE rules impact transformer efficiencies
Building designers must keep the Dept. of Energy’s new standards when selecting and evaluating distribution transformers.
Why choose medium-voltage drives?
Energy savings and other benefits of more common, low-voltage AC drives are becoming well known. Medium-voltage drives, operating from higher electric supply, bring ‘heavy lifting’ capability and further economies of scale to rugged applications.
Three stages for implementing arc hazard protection: Part 3
This third part in our series on arc hazard protection focuses on choosing management systems that are both effective and sustainable in the long term.
Smart Grid standards for buildings
The development of standards for the Smart Grid provides an early look at what's in store for facilities.
Energy profile: Where have we been, and where are we headed?
Looking at energy consumption patterns of the past can help us promote responsible energy use in the future.
Energy future: Insights into the U.S. energy portfolio and consumption patterns
Measuring commercial buildings’ energy use is the key to curbing energy waste.
Moore admitted to ASPE College of Fellows
Ray W. Moore, P.E., CPD, CGD, LEED AP, FASPE, principal mechanical and plumbing engineer, was inducted into the American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE) Kenneth G. Wentink College of Fellows.
Cloud-Ready Web Application simplifies display of live building data
QA Graphics announced the release of version 2.0 of their Energy Efficiency Education Dashboard (EEED), an interactive solution used by organizations to display real-time building data and educate occupants on sustainable building practices. Version 2.0 is a fully standalone web-based application that can be integrated into any IT framework, eliminating many security roadblocks.
USGBC Announces “LEED Automation” to Streamline and Create Capacity for LEED Green Building Projects
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) announced LEED Automation, a new program in collaboration with leading technology companies that is designed to streamline and create capacity for the LEED building certification process.
Prepare for the Smart Grid surge
Get your brain around the Smart Grid with three key documents.
Data center offers sustainable power, wins award
The Seattle area’s new, high-capacity next generation South Hill North Data Center in Puyallup, Wash., has received the Technology Development of the Year Award from NAIOP.
Firestopping exposed wires and cables
An “almost perfect” firestopping system isn’t good enough when a fire starts in a building. There are several reasons for providing firestopping for wires and cables. It may be a requirement of the building code, or of an insurance carrier or a building owner that wants to minimize the risk associated with fire spreading from one part of the building to another.
Choosing LEDs for indoor use
Here are practical evaluation criteria for selecting LED lighting for indoor, ambient applications.
Reports for power testing
Emerson Network Power has debuted its ASCO PowerQuest Test Reports, which help facilities comply with NFPA, NEC, and JCAHO reporting requirements for on-site power system testing, operation, load profiling, and peak load shaving. ASCO PowerQuest Reports automate the manual, time-consuming data logging required to comply with NFPA 99 and 110 for exercising emergency power systems, NEC 220.87 for documenting actual on-site power demand load, and JCAHO requirements for helping ensure reliable power for life safety loads. The reports’ data format parallels the requirements of reporting codes and standards.
Enabling smart service with remote data
Suppose you are a generator service organization, maintaining customers’ equipment scattered across your state. Let’s further suppose you have extensive knowledge of the historical performance of every machine and know the battery voltage, fuel level, and controls condition of each generator, and that information is always current. Armed with that information, a well-trained technician could readily identify the machines that are at risk of operational failures, and prioritize the replacement of weak batteries or call in fuel where needed, to avoid the failure that is certain to happen without his proactive intervention. Smart service implies the intelligent use of information to achieve a better service process, including: Detecting problems early Scheduling service trips efficiently Preventing predictable failures Minimizing customer downtime Historically in the on-site power industry, technicians have gone from site to site to test machines, record conditions, and collect performance data.
Robust power to the rescue
Lewis & Clark Regional Water System (LCRWS) of Sioux Falls, S.D., is a consortium of 20 members: 15 cities and 5 rural water districts in southeastern South Dakota, northwestern Iowa, and southwestern Minnesota. Members will receive treated water from a network of well fields located near the Missouri River. The ambitious, $550-million program has been in the making for 20 years, and construction is well underway. LCRWS is scheduled to begin operations in March 2012.
Historic Gains in Energy Efficiency for New Homes and Commercial Buildings
Building officials from across the nation voted to support historic gains in the energy efficiency of building energy codes at the Final Action Hearings for the 2012 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). As a result, the energy efficiency of America’s 2012 model energy code for new homes and commercial buildings will likely achieve the 30% boost sought by the U.S. Dept.
GSA raises its own energy efficiency standards
The General Services Administration is raising the bar to increase the energy efficiency of all of its new federal building construction projects. Projects must achieve LEED Gold certification, the second-highest rating from the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED program. Previously, federal building projects needed to be certified at the LEED Silver level, the third-highest rating, or higher. Robert Peck, commissioner of GSA's Public Buildings Service, said that better-performing government buildings can have a substantial environmental impact. "This new requirement is just one of the many ways we're greening the federal real estate inventory to help deliver on President Obama's commitment to increase sustainability and energy efficiency across government," Peck said in a news release. For projects funded before fiscal 2010, LEED Gold standards will be incorporated wherever possible. New leased GSA spaces still require only LEED Silver certification.
HMI monitoring and control: Building blocks of a SCADA system
When it comes to equipment operation, user interface is the most visible system component. The user interface can include anything from the steering wheel and instrument cluster on a vehicle’s dashboard to the operating system on your computer. Regardless of the scale of the application, the purpose is ...
Advanced Sound-Testing Facility to be Built by Cummins Power Generation
Cummins Power Generation has approved Project Sonitus, the construction of a state-of-the-art hemi-anechoic test chamber at the company’s headquarters in Fridley, Minn. The new testing facility will help reduce sound levels of Cummins generators and other products. When completed, this facility will be the largest engine-test-facility of its kind in the world. In preparing the site for construction, the company discovered a buried layer of soil contaminated with creosote, which had been used as a preservative coating for railroad ties and utility poles.
VAV System for Small to Medium Sized Buildings
System Offers Consistent Comfort, Lower Operating Costs, Fast and Easy Installation, and Reliable Control.
MEP Giants 2010
In 2010, engineering firms focus on energy-efficiency initiatives this year, while investing heavily in the continued development of their in-house engineers.
Integrating lighting and HVAC retrofits
The renovation of lighting and the HVAC system in an existing building can greatly reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
Complex Office Building Retrofit
Integrating Lighting and HVAC Retrofits: Case Study
HVAC boiler standards
Heating and power boilers used in HVAC are governed by several codes, including ASME, NBBPVI, NFPA, local and state standards, and a host of others.
Ready, aim, fire
With more than 40 years in fire protection, Martin Reiss’s knowledge and experience in the engineering field takes him around the world working with clients and fire officials.
Diesel Gensets Certified to Meet IBC Seismic Provisions
Caterpillar diesel gensets for North America ranging from 650 kW to 3100 kW have been certified to meet all published editions of the International Building Code’s (IBC) seismic provisions.
Bring on the bean counters
By involving a tax specialist in a project early in the process, the owner can benefit from tax incentives that reduce the higher first costs of better, more efficient systems.
Video: What do the new motor efficiency requirements mean to the end user?
At the 2010 International Manufacturing Technology Show in Chicago, Baldor Electric talks with Group Publisher Jim Langhenry about the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 and what the new motor efficiency requirements mean to the end user.
2010 Product of the Year Winners
At the close of the Sixth Annual Product of the Year Awards, one thing stands out above the rest—this year was definitely different from years past.
Report helps build the case for energy code compliance
IMT Report shows that every dollar spent yields $6 in energy savings and an additional $810 Million Funding is Needed to Achieve 90% Compliance with Building Energy Codes.
Trip Unit
All the electrical industry buzzwords—system coordination, selectivity, reliability, arc flash protection—are addressed with GE’s trip unit.
Bright light, brighter students
Good school lighting provides myriad benefits—including lower power bills and boosted test scores—but effective design requires smart planning.
Spa treatment for hotel HVAC system
In January 2009, construction began on a new, upscale Renaissance Boston Hotel & Spa at Patriot Place in Boston. The building’s owner wanted a top performing, energy efficient HVAC system that had the capability to adjust airflow based on demand and would operate more quietly than traditional systems. Typical bathroom exhaust systems use oversized rooftop fans running 24 hours a day to assist in exhausting air from a common riser that multiple bathroom fans exhaust into.
Generator Ratings
This question-and-answer article outlines how to use manufacturer ratings for generators to choose the proper equipment for the job. Also covered: How to consider conditions that could "de-rate" the generator.
Designing Efficient Schools
Working to design a LEED-certified school? This article highlights some MEP trends, including the latest HVAC trends.
Unlocking the Code: Requirements for A/V System Cabling
Audio/visual systems must be installed to meet the cabling requirements of the NEC. The audio/visual (A/V) system in an office or school is often installed long after the base-build phase of construction of a new building is completed. The A/V system may not even be included in the tenant improvement phase of a project.
Designing Efficient Schools: Design Strategies
MEP and HVAC trends for designing a LEED-certified school.
Designing Efficient Schools: LEED MEP Related Credits
A Project Checklist and the Impact of MEP Related LEED Credits
Designing Efficient Schools: Case Study
Chicago Public School Mariano Azuela Elementary School
Acoustical Performance Standards for Schools
Updated standards provide recommendations for acoustic criteria for background noise, reverberation, and sound isolation for schools.
University Gets Smart With Emergency Power Systems
With thousands of students living on campus, and working in classrooms and labs, plus the 24/7 need for data centers and security systems, Michigan Tech University could not operate during power outages without a backup emergency power system.
Climbing to new heights
Meet Allyn Vaughn, PE, FSPE, LEED AP. Allyn Vaughn is a registered fire protection engineer with more than 30 years of experience in the industry. He has been in Las Vegas for more than 13 years providing fire protection system design and code consulting services.
Get Smart Fast on LEDs
LEDs are gaining credibility in the lighting market, and engineers need to learn to use LED technology quickly
Lighting Systems Index Stalls, Slumps, National Lighting Bureau Reports
Second-quarter 2010 Lighting Systems Index performance was 0.3% below first-quarter 2010 results.
The value of full disclosure
This article discusses the benefits of mandatory disclosure of a building’s energy performance and how its future could impact the buying and selling of commercial properties.
Speaking of certification
Many engineers believe certification educates and bolsters careers; others think that there are too many available certifications, diluting any potential benefit.
The 2010 National Engineering Survey
The roles of engineers are changing; but some things never change.
Apportioning loads on paralleled generator sets
Selection of the right load-sharing control system depends on the sizes of the generators, their governors and voltage regulators, the sensitivity of the loads to voltage and frequency, and desired system reliability.
CONSOL Energy Center Is First NHL Arena To Achieve LEED Gold Certification
CONSOL Energy Center has achieved LEED Gold certification, becoming the first NHL arena to reach that standard of sustainability.
Sustainability standards open for comment
UL Environment is seeking public comment on a new corporate sustainability standard for manufacturers.
An update on ASHRAE 62.1
Our expert MEP Roundtable panel discusses the major changes to the 2010 edition of ASHRAE 62.1 and how these modifications will alter mechanical system design, building performance, and energy codes compliance.
BACnet: Setting the new standard
BACnet has to be specified correctly to be fully interoperable. The BACnet Protocol Implementation Conformance Statement is designed to aid in this process.
VRF foundation laid for growth
Codes, standards, and modeling software developments for variable refrigerant flow technology makes life easier for engineers.
A close look at wet stacking
Wet stacking: How it happens, what it does, and how to avoid it.
Avoid failure with smoke control commissioning
How to adjust when the installed system does not meet the performance criteria of the approved design or there are inconsistencies with the design concepts in the approved design documents.
Electric Vehicle (EV) Infrastructure
GE’s new Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station will provide user protection by meeting industry standards such as NEC 625 and SAE J1772, will work seamlessly with large- and small-scale EV systems and will begin shipping 3Q 2010, in time for the mass-market arrival of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). Initially launched for residential, commercial, and local government applications, GE’s basic until will provide plug-in charging and optional commerce capabilities. The unit will also offer an optional Smart Grid interface by utilizing intelligent meters to interact with the local utility company. This product will undergo extensive acceptance research with users and installers to make sure that it is easy to use, install, and maintain. Along with the charging functionality, the product will be a modular design to allow for easy upgrades as owner’s needs change and more options become available.
Empire State Building Unveils Innovative, Multi-Media Sustainability Exhibit At Visitor’s Center
Iconic Landmark Transforms Energy Retrofit Story Into a Permanent, Interactive and Compelling Consumer Experience
Eight Firms to Spearhead Global Building Efficiency Project
Eight large companies and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology will participate in a pilot program launched this week by the U.S. and nearly two dozen other countries that promotes energy efficiency in commercial buildings.
Office Depot Opens First LEED for Commercial Interiors Registered Retail Store
Austin, Texas, Location One of 14 "Greener" Stores Planned For 2010.
Using spec writers properly
Specification writers can play a key role in a project’s success, but the design team must use their skills effectively.
Flexible, Sustainable Data Centers
Sustainable data center design can be a tricky business because of the inherent need for an organized yet flexible approach. However, in recent years, design firms have come up with solutions that provide sustainable and highly flexible designs while also steering clear of confusion related to rapid changes in computer hardware technologies. The key to ensuring flexible yet organized electrical and mechanical systems for sustainable design centers involves preparation, becoming informed, and planning ahead. In order to be fully prepared and achieve maximum success, design firms must balance all of the business needs involved in the project and then develop and implement a sound basis of design (BOD) and project plan.
Apply engineered solutions to deliver arc flash safety part 2
This is the second in a three-part series that describes planning and implementation for an effective, sustainable program. Part 1 discussed hazard awareness, safe work practices, and reducing potential for ignition of workers’ clothing from arc incidents. Part 2 will focus on applying engineered solutions, which includes electrical system analysis.
The cost of cutting corners
With the increasing economic pressure on design engineers in the electrical construction industry today, there is a greater demand for more work in less time and a requirement to make increased profits on the time that is worked. Phrases that one hears all too often are: I will have the contractor responsible for the coordination study because I do not know how to do it. The project is due out this week so I am going to skip calculating fault current for this distribution system. These arc fault breakers are being required by the Code just so the breaker manufacturers can make more money. I don’t have the time to design this pole base, so I will just copy a detail from the last project. I will just calculate the current carrying capacity of this duct bank feeder the same way that I calculate a feeder in conduit. Everyone else sizes feeders using the basic table 310-16, so I am going to do it the same way. These are just a few examples of the many design tasks that are dropping by the wayside, taking the “Engineering” out of the practice of engineering. These conflicting issues create a working environment that is the ideal breeding ground for ethical conflicts for the engineer.
Energy Forum seeks solar boost for Florida
While BP's oil gusher is an unmitigated disaster for the Gulf of Mexico, a Clean Energy Summit in Orlando warned Thursday that Florida has a power crisis in the making. According to Kenric Ward's article in The Sunshine News, the Sunshine State, the nation's fourth-largest electric consumer, isn’t even among the top 10 states in solar production. Though Florida has 92 million tons of biomass available for energy production, biomass plants provide just a paltry 2% of the state's power needs. Meantime, Florida utilities spend $30 billion a year to import fossil fuels to run their coal-, gas-, and oil-fired power plants. Lagging in the renewable power race is costing Floridians economically and environmentally, clean-energy experts warned at Thursday's summit. Hosted by Citizens for Clean Energy, a nonprofit consortium of green-leaning businesses, the Orlando forum turned up the heat on the Florida Legislature to incentivize renewable energy projects. The consensus and the challenge: There's a need. Is there the political will? Senate President-designate Mike Haridopolos, who delivered the keynote address and participated in the day's panel discussions, declared, "The Legislature is open for business and new ideas." "We need an aggressive energy policy -- an all-energy solution that works for Floridians first.
EMCOR Subsidiary CEO Receives Exceptional Service Award From ASHRAE
William M. Dillard, CEO of Mechanical Services Inc. (MSI) has been honored by ASHRAE with an Exceptional Service Award for 2010.
NYC building projects affected by new energy code
On July 6th, New York Buildings Commissioner Robert LiMandri announced the start of the New York City Energy Conservation Code on July 1, giving notice that lighting, power, and HVAC systems in new projects and renovations in America’s largest city must comply with it. The code amends the New York State Energy Conservation Construction Code and is tougher than the state energy code, from which alterations or renovations affecting less than 50% of a building system are exempt, according to the department. The new city code is part of the city’s pledge to cut carbon emissions by 30% by 2030. "The creation of the New York City Energy Code is a landmark achievement for this department and a major step forward in making this city more environmentally friendly," LiMandri said.
Largest zero-energy office building opens in Colorado
According to an article by Jim Witkin with the New York Times, the federal government recently finished construction on a zero-energy office building. The 222,000-sq-ft Research Support Facility is located on the National Renewable Energy Laboratory campus in Golden, Colo. The building will officially open to its 800 employees in late August.
Optional Desiccant Wheel Increases Dehumidification Capacity on LASER Packaged Units
A new desiccant wheel option provides additional dehumidification capacity on the Innovent LASER (Latent and Sensible Energy Reduction) packaged fresh air conditioning unit. Primarily for use in dedicated outdoor air applications, the LASER unit includes single or dual air-to-air heat exchangers to dehumidify and reheat outside air before delivery to occupants. No new energy is required for reheat which allows dehumidification of hot, humid air; while meeting the requirements of ASHRAE Standard 90.1. Innovent is a business of Unison Comfort Technologies. For more information, visit www.innoventair.com or contact us at (612) 877-4850.
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Energy Efficiency Classification for Fans
The Air Movement and Control Association International, Inc. (AMCA International) announced that AMCA STANDARD 205-10, Energy Efficiency Classification for Fans, was approved by the AMCA International membership on February 19, 2010. This standard defines the classification for all fan types designed to be driven by motors of nominal rating 125 W (1/6 hp) and above.
Finding the right LED
Consulting engineers often are tasked with lighting design as part of their overall electrical design or as a subcontract to the electrical engineering team or contractor. Because of the big push for energy efficiency, many clients are now asking about LEDs. LEDs are have been available for lighting systems for a number of years, but first costs, color rendering, appropriate fixtures for commer...
Product Rating Manual for Acoustical Duct Silencers
AMCA International reaffirmed AMCA publication 1011-03, a Certified Ratings Program Product Rating Manual for Acoustical Duct Silencers, and provides a program for certifying a product's sound dynamic insertion loss, airflow generated noise, and pressure drop performance ratings. Products that can be licensed by AMCA to bear the AMCA Certified Ratings Seal are prefabricated acoustical duct sile...
Laboratory Methods for Testing Actuators
AMCA International announced that the Board of Standards Review of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) approved the following document on December 2, 2009: ANSI/AMCA STANDARD 520-09, Laboratory Methods for Testing Actuators. This standard establishes an industry standard for minimum rating and testing of actuators used on fire/smoke dampers.
Unlisted cables and the NEC
Data and communications cabling installed in a building is required to be listed per the National Electrical Code (NEC). Unlisted cables need to transition to a listed cable through the use of a splice or termination after entering a building. How soon does this transition have to take place? Can the transition from an unlisted to listed cable be extended into a building? This article provides ...
Shedding light on energy codes
As energy codes become more stringent, it becomes more of a challenge for architects and designers to meet the requirements of the current system of prescriptive energy codes. Because of these challenges, advocates of performance-based energy code systems point to them as possible solutions to the problem of meeting the various 30%, 50%, and near-zero-energy building goals supported by propose...
HVAC design for indoor pools, spas
This manual provides design tips for those designing HVAC for swimming pools and spas.
NFPA releases new edition of NFPA 1600
The National Fire Protection Assn. has released its new Standard on Disaster/Emergency Management and Business Continuity Programs.
New AMCA standard for fan efficiency
AMCA Standard 205-10 defines a new energy efficiency classification schema for fans driven by motors at 1/6 HP (125 W) and above.
Chipping away at heating costs
View the full story, including all images and figures, in our monthly digital edition Hartford Central School District in Hartford, N.Y., paired with CSArch Architecture | Construction Management in 2006 to develop the district's new Alternative Energy Plant, making it the first public school district in New York state to implement wood chip gasification technology to heat its facilities. The Albany, N.Y.-based CSArch designed the new 2,000-sq-ft Alternative Energy Plant. The plant is located adjacent to the 84,330-sq-ft K-12 school and a 7,000-sq-ft technology building, both of which will be heated by the Alternative Energy Plant.
Bonding conduit sleeves
This article discusses where and how the NEC requires bonding and grounding for conduit sleeves.
ASHRAE 90.1— 2007 and beyond
Engineers talk about the present and future standard for energy efficiency.
Members sought for ASHRAE committee
Members are being sought and changes proposed for the new standard for the design of high-performance green buildings published in January.
The nitty-gritty on gensets
Our panel discusses paralleling and proper sizing for generators, considerations for subtransient reactance in critical environments, and accurately matching automatic transfer switches and generators.
Engineers: Restart your motor specifications
Federal minimum standards for nominal full-load motor efficiencies take effect for motors manufactured after Dec. 19, 2010.
IAPMO standardizes plumbing, mechanical systems
IAPMO releases the Green Plumbing and Mechanical Code Supplement.
High-performance green building standard released
The nation's first standard for the design of high-performance green buildings has been published by ASHRAE, in conjunction with the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IES) and the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). Standard 189.1, Standard for the Design of High-Performance, Green Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings, is the first code-intended commercial green bui...
California adopts first statewide green building standard
Governor Schwarzenegger has announced the first-in-the-nation statewide green building standards code.
More states adopt new standards for energy efficiency
Additional states have adopted the 2009 I-Codes for energy efficiency from the International Code Council.
DOE proposes test procedures for walk-ins
The Dept. of Energy is proposing to adopt test procedures for measuring the energy consumption of walk-in coolers and freezers.
2009 Green Space Collection
Collection of 2009 Green Space Columns. January 2009Making workplaces 'greenspaces' By David Callan, PE, CEM, LEED AP, Syska Hennessy Group, (Now with Environmental Systems Design), ChicagoFebruary 2009California's power play on energy policy By Michael Ivanovich, Editor-in-Chief, Consulting-Specifying EngineerMarch 2009Sustainable air conditioning leads to sustainability By Grahame E. Maisey, PE, and Beverly Milestone, LEED APApril 2009 Can you envision an Energy Corps? By John Suzukida, PE, Lanex Consulting LLC, Shoreview, Minn.May 2009The bleeding edge of green By John Jennings, Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance, Portland, Ore.June 2009We need disruptive innovation By Keith W. Cooley, NextEnergy, DetroitJuly 2009When buildings bite, owners suffer By Michael K.
Designing for safety: Simple steps for reducing electrical hazards
Incorporating simple steps into the design process is a cost-effective way to stay ahead of the curve.
Using the sun to power data centers
Adding a large photovoltaic array to the roof of a data center raises its profile, and adds a reliable source of clean power.
Make a splash about water
Too many water efficiency guidelines are drowning designers with options and diluting progress on this vital issue.
The synergy of lighting codes and controls
Lighting controls play a key role in meeting energy codes for buildings.
New York City enacts legislation designed to increase energy efficiency of buildings
New York City passed the "Greener, Greater Buildings Plan" designed to save consumers millions of dollars in building energy costs and create thousands of jobs for the people of New York.
AMCA inmotion
AMCA inmotion
ANSI/AMCA standards approved
Standards for dampers and louvers receive approval from American National Standards Institute.
What to consider when selecting ac drives
Several considerations, industry guidelines, and third-party certifications can help ensure safe variable-speed drive operation.
Standard for dc power distribution released
EMerge Alliance released the EMerge Alliance Standard, which the association claims is the first to provide a roadmap for the use of low-voltage dc power in commercial building interiors. The standard is said to establish a more efficient means of powering the rapidly increasing number of digital, dc-powered devices found in today's workplaces, such as sensors, lighting, and IT equipment.
Voltage regulator
The Series 700F Power Processor from Controlled Power Co. is a front-access power conditioning voltage regulator that guards against both high- and low-voltage conditions. Available in 10 kVA to 150 kVA three-phase sizes, the regulator corrects wide input voltage deviations to well within safe operating limits, and meets the IEEE and ANSI standards that define power anomalies, occurrences, and ...
California has most energy efficiency policies
An ACEEE report shows that California leads the country in energy efficiency policies.
The Green Building Market and Impact Report 2009 is released
An annual green buildings report highlights the impact of LEED-certified buildings.
Pipe hangers and supports standards updated
The Manufactures Standardization Society has published a comprehensive standard practice for pipe hangers and supports.
Fire-resistant wrap
The Fire Barrier Duct Wrap 615+ from 3M Co. meets ASTM E 2336 fire test requirements. Made from a ceramic fiber wrapped in scrim-enforced foil, the wrap provides up to two hours of fire protection for grease and air ventilation ducts. The wrap supports maximum temperatures up to 2,192 F and is tested to ISO 6944 air duct standard.
Department of Homeland Security to adopt NFPA Standard on emergency preparedness
Dept. of Homeland Security will adopt NFPA 1600 Standard on emergency management, business continuity, and crisis communications.
LaPointe named AMCA president
Art LaPointe, vice president and general manager of Construction Specialties Inc. , Cranford, N.J., was elected president of AMCA International at the association's annual meeting held this past September. LaPointe has been an enthusiastic supporter of AMCA and has helped develop and improve many product performance guidelines and standards; he also has helped further efforts to have AMCA standards written into architectural specifications.
Kitchen ventilation systems: Saving energy without sacrificing performance
New options for owners looking for ways to reduce operating costs.
Neitzel receives distinguished service award
Emery (Pete) Neitzel received AMCA International's Distinguished Service Award at the association's annual meeting held this past September. Neitzel is a former AMCA president and retired vice president of engineering and manufacturing for Greenheck Fan Corp., Schofield, Wis. The award recognizes service to AMCA and the entire HVACR industry as a whole.
Life safety damper inspections
Regular inspections and testing are vital to protecting property and saving lives.
Belling the code-and-standard cat
Why and when did regulations solidify to a point where unbending, homogenized codes and standards keep engineers from exercising their expertise and good judgment? This situation is particularly true for lighting. Lighting has become the stepchild of construction. It is often the last to be considered in planning, the first to be jettisoned in the budget crunch, mostly assumed to be present but often created without adequate thought, and many times beset by unfathomable limitations.
Ask Hans
In an effort to help stabilize the economy, the federal government has extended tax incentives that encourage energy efficiency. These incentives have a dual purpose: to protect the environment through more efficient use of energy, and to increase capital investment to counter the economic recession.
Korean lab accredited to perform AMCA testing
The Korea Machinery-Meter and Petrochemical Testing and Research Institute (MPI) laboratory in Pyeongtaek-City, South Korea, has been accredited by AMCA International to perform both air and sound tests in accordance with AMCA International's test standards 210 and 300 and other international standards. The agreement is part of AMCA International's continued efforts to expand its Certified Ratings Program (CRP) in Korea. MPI will act as AMCA International's authorized CRP agent for the Korean regions and in other areas of the Pacific Rim.
MEP Insider – 2009-09-08
Recent promotions and hires
ASHRAE publishes paper on HVAC and airborne diseases
Paper addresses concerns of H1N1 (swine flu) virus transmission through ventilation systems and suggests control strategies.
Split system
Exceeding ASHRAE 90.1 efficiency standards and featuring a non-ozone depleting refrigerant, the 25- to 100-ton Gemini Select commercial split systems from Carrier Corp. is a new line of HVAC systems that benefits the environment. Offering a 5% improvement over previous models on full load efficiency and 10% on partial loads, the Gemini Select provides improved condenser coil structural integrit...
Getting more out of kitchen ventilation systems
View the full story, including all images and figures, in our monthly digital edition Like many other things around us, school cooking operations seem to be continuously changing. Complete model shifts from independent full-cooking kitchens to centralized cooking facilities and satellite (reheat and ladle) operations are happening everywhere. Also, the evolution in menus to accommodate society's focus on health-conscious eating, food allergies, and general concerns for proper nutrition has made it necessary for school cooking facilities to change in unison. As we engineer these systems, we can't help but wonder how these changes affect the lifecycle of the kitchen ventilation system—or, rather, how we can design to ensure more flexibility and sustained equipment life. Many products and design choices can be made to create more flexibility now and in the future.
Raising expectations for school buildings
Imagine sending a child to a school without indoor plumbing, textbooks, or computers. As strange as that sounds, within the past 150 years we have done just that, and in some parts of the world, people still do. Those advocating for a revitalized interest in improving the quality of schools have imagined a future in which no child attends a school that has inadequate lighting, poor ventilation, acoustical issues, or other environmental stressors that negatively impact the learning environment. Many argue that although the vision of “ every child in a green school within a generation” sounds wonderful, the reality remains that we cannot afford it.
Improving school systems
View the full story, including all images and figures, in our monthly digital edition CSE: Typically in school districts there is a mix of various building types, ages, and MEP systems. Across this diversity, which MEP systems are being kept during retrofit projects? Which systems are being discarded and replaced most frequently? Dennis Landsberg: Classroom lighting systems are being replaced with super T-8 lighting with occupancy sensors. Metal halide gymnasium lighting is being replaced with T-5 technology.
HVAC design for a performing arts center
Figure 1: A view from the north shows the wood-encased main concert hall with atrium. The atrium’s mullions are heated with 120-F water to prevent condensation and help heat the atrium. Photo: Paúl Rivera/archphoto View the full story, including all images and figures, in our monthly digital edition The Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center (EMPAC) at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), Troy, N.Y., is the world's largest multi-use space that combines scientific research, technology, and the performing arts.
Top five NEC 708 guidelines
Article 708, new to the 2008 National Electrical Code and the most stringent of the 700 Section Articles, provides an additional level of protection for electrical equipment and wiring so that in the event of a natural or human-created disaster, the facility will still function while other facilities may fail. Article 708 has enhanced the local authority having jurisdiction's (AHJ) ability to ensure uniform enforcement for critical facilities. These facilities can consider either a designated area or the entire building as part of the critical operations power systems (COPS). This article requires that the alternate power source have a minimum of 72 hr of full-load capacity.
Las Vegas announces Green Building Rebate Program
In order to stimulate new green building construction and provide energy efficiency retrofits, the city of Las Vegas announced its Green Building Rebate Program.
Uptime Institute retools data-center availability tiers
Data center end-users will make recommendations for updated tier standards.
Why the world needs another green building standard
A recent ICC blog discusses how, unlike other green standards, the new green building code will integrate green thinking into international codes.
Addenda to ASHRAE 90.1 open for public review
ASHRAE is accepting comments on several additions to its building energy standard.
Greening toolkit now available for commercial real estate owners
The California Sustainability Alliance released the second version of its greening toolkit, which is designed to help commercial real estate owners achieve higher levels of energy efficiency within their buildings.
AMCA approves revision to fan sound ratings
AMCA International adds requirements for sound performance licensing and details test setups for air curtain units.
ASTM issues standard for arc protective blanket testing
The new standard test method provides a repeatable evaluation of the effectiveness of arc protective blankets.
Consulting-Specifying Engineer’s 2009 Products of the Year
Consulting-Specifying Engineer ( CSE ) is proud to announce the winners of its 2009 Product of the Year competition. These products, which were introduced or refined in 2008, were first submitted for the competition by their manufacturers. A panel of judges (all professional engineers who regular design and specify HVAC, electrical, fire protection, and plumbing systems) selected up to five finalists in each of 10 categories.
Lighting less to achieve net zero
View the full story, including all images and figures, in our monthly digital edition The energy was high, the crowds were large, and the product was innovative and fresh at the 2009 Lightfair International (LFI) conference held in New York. LFI is the world's largest architectural and commercial lighting trade show and conference, and the 20th annual show was held in May 2009 with a record-breaking attendee registration of more than 23,000 industry professionals and conference participants. Energy efficiency was a major theme at the event. Many manufacturers presented sustainable designs made possible with innovative luminaires.
Upgrading LONworks
VIew the full story, including all images and figures, in our monthly digital edition As building automation becomes more important for energy efficiency, convenience, and the bottom line, engineers and building owners demand systems that can incorporate products of varying brands in an open-bid market. LONmark has developed and advanced the LONworks protocol to manage these changing technologies, allowing engineers, owners, and contractors to choose the products that work best, cost less, and communicate with the network. With constant updates to the existing protocol and development of new "smart" technologies, the standards appear to be advancing as quickly as the technology they integrate. Smart grid Plans for an American smart grid have included lofty numbers and goals for some of the nation's biggest companies, and LONmark is one of them. The National Institute of Standards and Technology brought together LONmark and other private companies to help create the Smart Grid Standards Roadmap and recommend a list of standards that should be included in the development of the nation's smart grid.
Cooper Bussmann joins IEEE and NFPA to research arc flash
Cooper Bussmann has contributed $500,000 to the Arc Flash Collaborative Research Project organized by IEEE and NFPA. The company's platinum level sponsorship will help expand the knowledge of the electric arc flash phenomena and enhance worker safety through advances in the codes and standards relating to safe employee work practices.
LEED becomes law in Baltimore
A Baltimore law that requires all new construction to adhere to LEED silver is creating difficulties for building owners and renovators.
Code change could increase high-performance window systems
‘Stretch' energy code in Massachusetts could mean more high-performance glazing installations.
Smart grid: Unnecessary, or necessary evil?
Regulations, privacy and security concerns, and other issues could hold back developments.
NEBB Educational Conference to feature technical sessions
The three-day conference will address testing and balancing, sound and vibration, and zero energy buildings.
NFPA releases iPhone application
A new iPhone application allows users to read NFPA 1600, an emergency management guide.
Stricter building standards delayed
An update to California's energy efficient building standards has been postponed to 2010.
Smart grid may have safety blind spot
While companies are itching to jump on the smart grid bandwagon, rushing the process might leave holes open for hackers.
New LEED update for schools
A new LEED rating system for schools changes the way education buildings are evaluated for their environmental friendliness.
New York receives $123 million in DOE funding
DOE approved New York's state energy plan for energy efficient buildings and stricter building codes.
ANSI/ASHRAE standard to increase air speed
In an attempt to lower building costs, ANSI and ASHRAE have agreed to a standard that would allow buildings to increase fan speed.
Incandescent bulbs return to the cutting edge
New incandescent light bulbs aren't equal to CFLs, but they beat the old-style bulb's efficiency by a mile.
ICC to complete green construction code in 2010
A new option will add sustainable initiatives to existing construction codes and provide guidelines for creating and renovating green buildings.
NIST steps toward smart grid standards
In the first phase of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) plan to develop key standards for smart grid implementation, the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) submitted its report on priorities in standardizing the technology. The report is about 100 pages (with an almost 200-page appendix) and is available on the NIST website at www.
Businesses benefit from green building
Sustainable buildings may cost more to build, but tenants are willing to stay longer and pay more.
ICC unveils new commercial energy code
The International Code Council has introduced an initiative to reduce energy inside of commercial buildings.
Climate change bill passes House
The House passed the landmark climate change bill, which now heads to the Senate.
Smart grid standards open for public review
NIST has released the report on smart grid issues and will accept public comments before issuing its Smart Grid Interoperability Standards Roadmap this fall.
ASHRAE to implement building energy label prototype in the fall
The full labeling program will include asset and operational ratings and will be launched in 2010.
New power grid may be on the way
A group organized by the IEEE has begun to examine the power grid in an effort to improve the system that has been practically unchanged for 100 years.
Potential changes to commercial building code
A proposal has been made to the International Energy Conservation Code that would change the ways commercial buildings are constructed, potentially cutting energy costs by 25%.
Video: The road to energy-efficient electronics
Symposium calls for changes from circuits to networks.
Energy-efficient electric grid faces challenges
The new plan by the U.S. Dept. of Energy and the National Institute of Standards and Technology faces questions on reliability and cost.
Industry roundup – 2009-06-10
Contracts awarded, and other industry news.
State and federal energy bills considered
A bill in Illinois would force all new structures in the state to follow the IECC, while a federal committee looks at renewable energy and new building codes.
NFPA seeks comments
The NFPA is seeking comments on proposed tentative interim amendments.
Electrical switch
Meet NEC safety standards with the Tamper-Resistant Receptacle/Switch Combination device from Pass & Seymour/Legrand. The electrical switch features a built-in shutter system to prevent metal objects from touching live electrical components, but plugs can still be inserted. The switch is available in 15A and 20A options.
Testing BACnet
View the full story, including all images and figures, in our monthly digital edition The testing of BACnet products has advanced tremendously over the past year. After many months, BACnet Testing Laboratories (BTL) is in the final stages of developing the operator workstation portions of its test package, and the BACnet Interest Group for the European Union (BIG-EU) has successfully implemented automated testing of BACnet products. With the ability to test operator workstation products, the BTL can now test all product types, allowing specifiers to require all BACnet products be BTL tested and listed. Testing operator workstations The BTL Working Group (BTL-WG) Test Package is based on tests from the BACnet test standard, in addition to new and corrected tests, product description documentation, and test policies and procedures. The BTL lab and product vendors use it to test their products to ensure they conform to the standard. The BTL-WG has been developing the test package in stages, slowly increasing the number and complexity of devices that can be tested by the package.
The Battle for Comfort
View the full story, including all images and figures, in our monthly digital edition Rows and rows of high-performance equipment fill a dense trading environment to the rim. Heat generated from the exhaust of multiple computers in a single station roasts the trader, while the cool air flooding the space leaves other spots chilly in its attempt to meet the demands of the large load. None of the occupants is comfortable, and the equipment isn't getting the relief it needs either. The shift to 24/7/365 electronic trading has moved more of today's financial services firms from open outcry exchange floors to private office suites, stoking a battle for comfort between the equipment and the occupants.
Standards for fume hood performance testing released
A set of procedural standards has been released by the National Environmental Balancing Bureau, outlining complete testing requirements for workers conducting field tests.
Boilers: Renovate or replace
This article explores the issues associated with leveraging a necessary O&M expenditure in order to improve efficiency, sustainability, and performance.
Energy-efficiency building code changes pass Delaware Senate
New buildings in Delaware would have to be more energy-efficient under legislation that cleared the Senate.
ASHRAE releases guidebook on moisture control
ASHRAE releases guidance book on best practices for adequate moisture control.
Industry Roundup – 2009-05-13
Details about contracts awarded, and other industry news.
NFPA Conference & Expo comes to Chicago
The 2009 NFPA Conference & Expo comes to Chicago's McCormick Place June 6 to 10.
Industrial fan – 2009-05-01
Designed for use in office and warehouse applications, the Alpha One fan from Air-Row Fan Co. fits in standard 2 x 2 ft or 2 x 4 ft ceiling grid systems. The fan can de-stratify, cool, and help dry wet floors in office or retail locations with low ceilings. The fan features a solid state, full-range rheostat for total cubic feet per minute control and thermal cutoff for automatic shutdown durin...
Panelboard mysteries revealed
View the full story, including all images and figures, in our monthly digital edition Switchboards and panelboards have been the backbone of our industry and haven't really changed for years. We've become accustomed to NEC Article 408 , which gave us the definitions for lighting and appliance branch panelboards and power panelboards. We use these terms freely in our conversations and, more importantly, in our specifications.
Letters – 2009-05-01
Transformer energy efficiency The article “Calculating the 'real' cost of ownership for transformers” in the Spring 2009 issue of Pure Power should be paid advertising, not editorial. It is little more than a blatant promotion for selling more expensive transformers. Just because Congress now mandates the use of National Electric Manufacturers Assn.
2009 Product of the Year
It's time again to ask you to review the finalists for Consulting-Specifying Engineer's annual Product of the Year competition, and cast your votes in these 10 categories online: Electrical distribution Emergency, on-site, standby power Fire detection, alarm, notification equipment HVAC/R Lighting controls Motors, starters, drives Networked BAS, energy management systems Plumbing and water management Software: Design, modeling, analysis Test instruments, meters, data loggers This year marks the Fifth Annual Product of the Year Awards. As in the past, Consulting-Specifying Engineer convened a panel of consulting engineers as judges to determine the finalists. Our judges determined up to five finalists in each category. In addition to voting in any of the 10 categories, readers also are asked to cast a separate vote for Most Valuable Product among all of this year's Product of the Year finalists. We now ask you, our readers, to evaluate the contestants in the pages that follow.
New York readies tighter building code for green push
Mayor's office unveils tough new green building rules that will force many property owners to invest in energy efficiency.
DOE to invest nearly $4 billion in smart grid technologies
DOE to support smart grid projects with $4 billion in American Reinvestment and Recovery Act funds.
Updated codes could net more cash
Maryland regulators want to revamp building codes to go after energy dollars
NEBB releases procedural standards
The Procedural Standards for Whole Building Systems Commissioning of New Construction was recently released.
Biden unveils grants for smart grid
More than $3.3 billion in stimulus funding for grants may drive the rollout of a nationwide electrical smart grid.
The cost of building green
How much additional will a green project cost?
Integrating smoke control dampers and fans
View the full story, including all images and figures, in our monthly digital edition Coordination between fans and dampers in smoke control systems requires consideration of the installation geometry, control sequence of operation, and sensor locations. There are both mechanical and electrical concerns. Among the basics are fan volume and pressures, damper tolerance to the pressures, and straight duct entrances to the equipment. Smoke control system design and installation is multi-disciplined and complicated.
New ANSI/AMCA Standard and Publications Released
The Board of Standards Review of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) on December 22, 2008 approved ANSI/AMCA Standard 540-08, Test Method for Louvers Impacted by Wind Borne Debris . This standard establishes uniform methods for laboratory testing of louvers that are impact tested with the large missile described in ASTM E 1996-04 and E 1886-05. The scope of this standard is for impact testing of louvers used on the outside of buildings as required by the International Code Council's (ICC) International Building Code (IBC), and the ICC International Residential Code. ANSI/AMCA Standard 540-08 is available for purchase at www.amca.org . A related publication, AMCA Publication 512-09, AMCA Listing Label Program, provides follow-up service for louvers tested in accordance with the new ANSI/AMCA Standard 540. The publication also covers louvers tested in accordance with AMCA Standard 550, Test Method for High Velocity Wind Driven Rain Resistant Louvers. The products within the scope of this publication are louvers used for high wind and/or high intensity rain areas, as required by the ICC. This program applies only to complete cataloged series of sizes, and is not applied to individual sizes in a series, or parts of a series, or special units where catalog ratings are not published. AMCA International publications are available at www.amca.org/store/default.aspx .
Accredited CRP Testing Lab Opens in Singapore
AFMA Technologies Pte Ltd in July 2008 opened a new testing laboratory in Singapore, becoming the Air Movement and Control Association (AMCA) International's first independent authorized Certified Ratings Program (CRP) agent to serve the regions of Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and India. AFMA Technologies' testing laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and is accredited to perform both air and sound tests in accordance with AMCA International's test standards. Testing capacities will range from air volume of 650 cmh to 140,000 cmh. Damper leakage and pressure drop testing capabilities will be added later this year. Through its administration of the CRP program, AFMA Technologies will be able to assure buyers, specifiers, and users of air movement and control equipment that published ratings are reliable and accurate.
NCCER announces the release of electrical hazards training module
The National Center for Construction Education and Researc h (NCCER) announced the release of the Contren Learning Series Managing Electrical Hazards module. Developed to help organizations respond to the 2009 edition of the national consensus standard— NFPA 70E Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace —the new NCCER module introduces trainees and their supervisors to electrical hazards in the workplace and how to avoid these hazards. Topics also include how to select specialized personal protective equipment for electrical work, how to analyze and document shock and arc flash hazards, and how to plan and conduct work around them. NCCER worked with subject matter experts representing the electrical industry and academia across the country to incorporate relevant industry material into the curriculum.
Water heater specifications
View the full story, including all images and figures, in our monthly digital edition Just a few years ago, specifying engineers routinely were challenged by an inability to easily place and locate commercial water heaters. The limitations of atmospherically vented systems, facility design, aesthetics, and close proximity to other buildings all factored in to the equation. Today it's not uncommon for building owners or managers to express late in the game an aversion to visible venting, based purely on aesthetic reasons. This is especially true in historic districts. Fortunately, many of the obstacles to easy placement of water heaters—at least those tied to building design and construction—are overcome with the emergence of new water heater systems, making it much easier to achieve manufacturer-specified combustion air or venting runs. The arsenal of commercial water heater products and associated technology has grown considerably, availing a wide range of fuel, venting, and combustion air options.
Fan Industry Meeting Energy Challenges
View the full story, including all images and figures, in our monthly digital edition More than 50 years ago, the industry formed the Air Movement and Control Association (AMCA), now AMCA International. Right from the start, AMCA implemented a Certified Ratings Program (CRP) for fan performance. The HVAC industry in the United States and Canada accepted certified fan performance instantly.
Electrical training module
NCCER announces the 2009 release of the Contren Learning Series Managing Electrical Hazards module.
Bentley Systems releases software for energy design and simulation
Bentley Systems introduced its Energy Performance Series; software for building energy design, analysis, and simulation.
LEED certification may not guarantee good IAQ
A report indicates that LEED-certified buildings remain susceptible to poor IAQ.
STI offers new technical bulletin
The Steel Tube Institute of North America’s Conduit Committee has published two new technical bulletins.
Recommended Resources
Sidebar: Consulting-Specifying Engineer HVAC Special Report
Bentley releases U.S. and Canadian versions of Energy Performance Series for green building design
Hevacomp and Tas software products enable engineers, architects, and energy assessors to predict energy consumption, carbon dioxide emissions, operating costs, and occupant comfort.
Indiana eyes tougher fire codes
In the aftermath of a fire that destroyed a luxury apartment building, state officials could bolster their fire codes.
ASHRAE commits to natural refrigerants
A position document from ASHRAE outlines the organization's intention to foster use of environmentally friendly natural refrigerants.
Updated protective devices guide
Cooper Bussmann has expanded and updated its SPD (selecting protective devices) guide to reflect changes to codes and standards, including NEC 2008 and NFPA 70E 2009 requirements. Additions include detailed explanations of selective coordination, industrial control panel short-circuit current rating and marking requirements, and safety considerations. The SPD is available online.
Increasing the value of lighting panelboards
View the full story , including all images and figures, in our monthly digital edition A lighting panelboard is one of the most important, and yet invisible, pieces of equipment in a commercial, industrial, or institutional facility. While a lighting panelboard does the crucial job of protecting branch circuits from overcurrents, it typically is mounted on the wall of an electrical room and forgotten, unless an electrical-related event occurs. Conversely, an intelligent lighting control panelboard combines branch circuit protection and control into a one-panel solution, creating both space savings and the opportunity for substantial cost savings by turning lights off when they aren't needed. This is made possible by a controller inside the panelboard that operates motorized circuit breakers, turning off lights and other loads when the building or sections of the building are not occupied. In the past, consulting engineers achieved this functionality by designing a separate control panel typically located adjacent to the lighting panelboard.
Nationwide, colleges and universities open up to green technologies
At institutions of higher learning, a greener approach has begun. Universities and colleges across the country have begun incorporating energy efficienct, eco-friendly techniques in their facilities.
Study shows ASHRAE energy standard almost unreachable in commercial buildings
The National Association of Industrial and Office Properties (NAIOP) released a report outlining the levels of energy efficiency that buildings can reach while remaining economically and logistically feasible.
Drainline transport PERC’s first project
Plumbing Efficiency Research Coalition (PERC) identifies drainline transport as first joint project.
Obama orders fast action on efficiency standards
The President has ordered the Dept. of Energy to finalize new appliance energy efficiency standards as soon as possible.
Report: Reduce growth of electricity consumption
Improvements in energy efficiency can slow the growth of electricity demand over the next two decades by at least 22%, states an EPRI report.
TABB attains ANSI accreditation
The Testing, Adjusting, and Balancing Bureau has been given accreditation from the American National Standards Institute.
Industry Roundup – 2009-02-11
Details about contracts awarded and other industry news
New energy code offers boosted efficiency
The 2009 edition of the International Energy Conservation Code reportedly offers 15% greater energy efficiency than the 2006 version.
New efficiency standard could cut costs
The Energy Efficiency Resource Standard--introduced by a Massachusetts Congressman--could cut energy costs, energy use, and the effects of climate change.
Open protocol on digital lighting controls
By standardizing the protocol, the National Electrical Manufacturers Assn. is looking to make installation and operation of digital lighting flow more smoothly.
MCA engineers metal roof research
The Metal Construction Assn. is partnering with the Dept. of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory for a multi-year research project on advanced metal roof and wall assemblies.
Green building standard approved
The nation's first standard providing guidance on sustainable, safe building practices for residential construction--aka ICC-700--attains approval.
High efficiency ballasts
The ULTim8 high-efficiency ballasts from Universal Lighting Technologies are designed to increase fluorescent lamp life by properly heating the lamp filaments during the starting process. The units meet NEMA and CEE high-efficiency T8 ballast specifications, and are compatible with ASHRAE 90.1 standards. Ballasts are available with universal voltage operation ranging from 120- to 277-V. www.unvlt.com #9.
California’s power play on energy policy
California has long been a rogue state in terms of leading the nation on energy and environmental policy. From tailpipe emisissions to HVAC equipment energy standards, California has given bellyaches and migranes to national trade associations and federal agencies for years, some of which have gone to the Supreme Court for resolution. Through elections, appointments, and good old-fashioned power grabbing, California has recently established itself as a powerhouse for shaping national energy and environmental policy under President Obama's administration.
ASHRAE Standard 189 committee convenes in Chicago
The group met during ASHRAE's Winter Conference in Chicago on Jan. 27 to hammer out the country's first standard on high-performing green buildings.
President Obama’s Stimulus Bill will provide energy assistance to states
The U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation that will include more than $3 billion in energy assistance grant money for states. In order to receive assistance, the states must adopt and administer the ICC's 2009 International Energy Conservation Code.
Wal-Mart going globally green
Wal-Mart Mexico installs the largest photovoltaic solar power system in Latin America. Wal-Mart Canada opens Canada’s first prototype, high-performance, green building.
ASHRAE 2008 BACnet published
Guidance to reduce a building’s energy consumption on demand is contained in ASHRAE’s newly published BACnet standard.
Managing the divide
Anticipating and understanding cultural differences is the key to successfully managing expectations of overseas clients.
Sustainability resources and information sources
The following information sources are recommended for further information:
Louvers test standard updated
ANSI/AMCA Standard 540-08 regarding test methods for louvers has been tweaked.
DOE adopts 90.1-2004
Standard 90.1-2004 established as national reference standard by DOE
Green building sets the code
The early adopters of green building standards are starting to build green building measures into code for all commercial buildings.
Canadians tackle ASHRAE 90.1
Tougher Canadian energy-code standards on the way.
Making workplaces ‘greenspaces’
Practicing what we preach is more than just a mantra for Syska Hennessy Group —it's our essence. Joining the ranks of the office buildings we design, Syska recently has adopted a series of significant sustainable initiatives that promise to impact our firm's internal culture and the world we live in on a daily basis. From recycling and producing less waste to cutting energy expenditures and greenhouse gas emissions, Syska has rolled out a two-phase plan to color our 19 domestic offices green by 2010. Phase I: Visible impact Phase I initiatives are cost-neutral and will visibly impact the firm on a daily basis. Beginning with an overhaul and reduction of office, kitchen, desk, and janitorial supplies, Syska will produce less waste overall.
Variable-refrigerant systems
Our participants discuss the applications, benefits, and challenges of variable-refrigerant air conditioning systems in commercial buildings.
ITER standardizes on ETAP for fusion power project
International organization will use ETAP for power system design and analysis.
Utah’s greenest office building
The Daybreak center is the first in Utah to earn the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED Platinum ranking.
ASHRAE 90.1-2007 open for review
An addendum to ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-2007 modifies the title, purpose, and scope.
Control networking technology becomes ISO/IEC standard
LonWorks networking technology—from LonMark International, an non-profit industry association—has been approved as a standard.
New ISO 9001 standard released
The American Society for Quality releases ISO 9001: 2008, the latest version of the widely used quality management systems standard.
How green is your motor?
View the full story, including all images and figures, in our monthly digital edition. With today's rising gasoline prices, people are looking more closely at fuel efficiency (measured in miles/gallon) than in the past. Great deals are available for full-size trucks. In Arkansas, for example, Dodge Ram Hemi four-doors are available for $18,995, a price lower than for a much smaller Honda Civic Hybrid ($22,600).
Renovation Gold: Data crunch
View the full story, including all images and figures, in our monthly digital edition In the heart of Silicon Valley is a high-demand data center owned by Equinix. Equinix needed to rapidly expand and convert its existing data center (SV2 facility) in Santa Clara, Calif., to meet the growing number of customers who rent computer room space. That meant the two-story, 160,000-sq-ft data center building needed a $50 million renovation. Less than a third of the 80,000-sq-ft second floor was already occupied by rentable space.
A green approach to air conditioning systems
View the full story, including all images and figures, in our monthly digital edition. There's never been a better time for HVAC products, systems, and services that are environmentally responsible to businesses and their stakeholders. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has always encouraged HVAC technologies that maximize efficiency with low emissions.
New Construction Gold: Platinum dreams
View the full story, including all images and figures, in our monthly digital edition When it comes to saving energy, Great River Energy wanted its headquarters to be at the forefront of conservation. Located in Maple Grove, Minn., Great River Energy is the second largest electric utility in the state, based on generating capacity, and the fifth largest generation and transmission cooperative in the United States in terms of assets. It is a not-for-profit cooperative that provides wholesale electricity to more than 1.7 million people through 28 member distribution cooperatives in Minnesota and Wisconsin with more than $2 billion in assets. When Great River Energy approached Minneapolis-based Dunham Assocs ., it wanted a fully electric building that was as efficient and as environmentally friendly as possible. “We were charged right out of the gate with something that has never been done before,” said Dunham's Randy Olson, PE, LEED AP, who served as project manager.
Specifying Products for Highly Corrosive Environments
The stakes are high when specifying products for highly corrosive environments. Beyond costly product failures, catastrophes can ensue, some even resulting in human harm. The total cost of corrosion in the United States has been estimated at approximately $276 billion/yr,1 a staggering figure that underscores the inherent economic dangers caused by improper product specification and resulting product failure. The corrosion costs for drinking water and sewer systems alone amounts to approximately $36 billion/yr (see Figure 1). Those who study corrosion and the dramatic implications of the damage it causes concur that: There is a misconception that nothing can be done about corrosion; to the contrary, the specification of optimum anticorrosive products provides opportunities for tremendous cost savings. Sound corrosion management, built upon proper product specification, depends on a comprehensive understanding of regulations and standards. Product life predictions and performance assessment methods are essential for determining what products will perform well over time. ALL PRODUCTS ARE NOT CREATED EQUAL For years, all available brands of PVC-coated galvanized conduit met exactly the same UL 6 standards and carried an identical UL Mark relating to safety conformance.
The NESC: Making the Power Industry Safer
In 1913, the U.S. Congress charged the Bureau of Standards with studying the hazards of electrical practice. Since then, the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) has evolved steadily to reflect changes in the technologies that have become available to the utility industry. A broad examination of utility statistics indicates that the NESC has been a key factor in rendering the electrical community a safer place for workers and consumers alike.
Turning down the lights
View the full story, including all images and figures, in our monthly digital edition Parking structures are significant users of electrical energy for lighting and can be a political hot-potato because they typically are illuminated 24 hours a day and, due to their open nature, are quite visible to the public. Due to the visibility and long operational hours, conservation of energy for lighting systems can contribute to both a savings in operating costs and a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from the power plants that generate the power to operate these lighting systems. Another perk: tax deductions and rebates from local utilities for lighting retrofits. Conservation of energy for parking garage lighting systems involves the use of energy-efficient light sources and automated controls to turn off lights when they are not needed.
DOE and EPA release an Energy Efficiency Action Plan for states
The DOE and the EPA released an updated version of the National Action Plan Vision for 2025: A Framework for Change. The plan lays out a proposed energy efficiency action plan for state policy makers.
Florida engineer named ASHRAE/USGBC fellow
Michael Erbesfield will serve a one-year fellowship on Capitol Hill, advising a U.S. Senator on issues relevant to ASHRAE and USGBC.
SDNY garage brings home gold
The design of a Brooklyn sanitation department garage and office wins a regional award, thanks in part to an effective, energy-efficient ventilation system.
Prevent plugholing: Smoke control done right
Many engineers do not know that plugholing can result in occupants being exposed to smoke, but there is a method to prevent this. Plugholing is the pulling of “fresh” air into a smoke exhaust, which can happen when the smoke exhaust flow rate is relatively high, as shown in Figure 1. When fresh air is pulled into the smoke exhaust, the amount of smoke exhausted is reduced, the smoke...
Johnson Controls links Cook County’s first responders to emergency communications network
Johnson Controls, Milwaukee, will begin the next phase of work on Cook County’s Project Shield, a communications system for first responders in municipalities across the greater Chicagoland metropolitan area.
Alabama seeks school commissioning standards
State officials are looking for proposals for developing commissioning standards for its educational facilities.
Specifying pumps the smart way
Engineers in charge of very large projects routinely have used a lifecycle cost analysis (LCA) to help decide among the alternatives available to them.
Letters – 2008-10-01
Letters to the editor
Energy-saving lighting system makes headlines
In June 2000, The New York Times Co. announced its plan to construct a new building to house its headquarters in midtown Manhattan.
Power system circuit breakers
To explain the difference between typical and series amp-interrupting capacity (AIC) ratings, let’s review the typical method.
Eight design tips for integration
In the past five years, several facilities located in North America have come to realize many of the technological benefits of system integration and interoperability. System integration has proven to help facility managers meet the overarching demand to heighten efficiency as facilities watched their cost of energy rise steadily.
Is ‘green’ really new?
Green … It's the color of a well-manicured lawn, the trees during summer, and money. Now we use green to define energy-efficient and environmentally sensitive buildings. Why not orange, purple, or even white (although technically it is the absence of all color) to signify purity?
Sound off on proposed ASHRAE changes
The association is soliciting public input on more than 35 suggested additions to current standards, and a proposal to withdraw one standard.
NFPA establishes $6 million research endowment
Through this multi-million-dollar program, the NFPA seeks to foster research into improvements in fire and life safety.
ABA posts meeting proceedings
Documents record key discussion on controversial contract standards.
Millions for clean energy projects, advanced building codes
The Dept. of Energy will award $6.6 million in competitive grants for clean energy projects and advanced building codes.
Inspection, maintenance requirements outlined in new ASHRAE/ACCA standard
Maintain to sustain is the name of the game when it comes to saving energy and money in today’s building stock.
Green campus living
Located 24 miles west of Portland, Ore., lies Pacific University's 55-acre Forest Grove, Ore., campus and its four U.S. Green Building Council LEED-accredited buildings.
Settling the commissioning frontier
The commissioning (Cx) market is very strong these days. With so much work in play, firms that provide commissioning services are scrambling to hire staff to put into the field.
Make IT green
Engineers may be wondering how they can green their own firms, not just their clients' buildings.
Cooking up ventilation
This month's panel discusses ventilation best practices in commercial kitchens, including codes and standards, and different energy saving and techniques.
Enhancing emergency lighting
Many engineering companies and their clients are taking a second look at emergency lighting systems because of concerns about code combined with energy efficiency, and U.S. Green Building Council LEED demands.
Commissioning CHP
Commissioning combined heat and power (CHP) systems in commercial and institutional buildings requires broad experience.
Sustainable projects and partnerships
No longer a fringe concept, engineering green is now a critical business and economic issue.
Smart-card hackers expose dumb flaws
College students crack a relatively simple code in frequently used access technology to expose major security weakness.
Study: Fire caused WTC collapse
Following a three-year investigation, a government agency concludes that fire caused to the collapse of the 47-story Building 7 in the World Trade Center complex.
Plug-in raceway
The Starline Plug-In Raceway designed by Universal Electric Corp. adds the ability to relocate electrical outlet plug-in modules anywhere on the raceway. Insulated copper bus bars are preinstalled on the raceway and the plug-in can be snapped into place without having to interrupt power. Units are available in 20-, 40-, and 60-amps busing.
First statewide green building code released
The state of California recently adopted the new Green Building Code, making California the first state in the nation to develop such a policy. The new building code, adopted by the California Building Standards Commission, will be amended for publication in the 2007 California Green Building Standards Code, CCR, Title 24, Part 11.
Tougher codes kept California quake damage down
An expert with the U.S. Geological Survey said tough buildings codes enacted after the deadly Northridge, Calif., quake in 1994 is the reason Tuesday's earthquake caused only minor damage.
NFPA awards scholarships to fire safety students
Four students have been awarded scholarships based on their academic achievements, leadership abilities, contributions to fire safety activities, and pursuit of careers in fire safety.
Are LEDs the way of the future?
Some believe the light-emitting diodes will replace incandescent and CFL bulbs.
Washington, D.C., requires disclosure of Energy Star scores
Included in The Clean and Affordable Energy Act of 2008, the provision is the first in the nation to require annual disclosure of Energy Star scores by building owners.
Have you lost your business ‘mojo’?
Your engineering firm’s culture has a direct impact on productivity and profitability. Ensure that the culture is correct, and your business “mojo” will be on track.
ASTM offers dictionary for engineers
ASTM International’s online dictionary of engineering science and technology is available for purchase online.
News At a Glance – 2008-07-01
The Engineers Joint Contract Documents Committee has published a revised edition of its standard Payment Bond form. The new form, EJCDC C-615(A), is intended to be used on an interim basis as a substitute for EJCDC's standard payment bond form, EJCDC C-615, pending a full review and re-issuance of the standard form.
Sweeping changes in store for ADA
The Bush Administration approved sweeping changes to the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA)—an initiative that will have a definite impact on the AEC industry.
EDSA and IEEE partner to offer new power systems engineering continuing education courses
Emphasis on energy management, mission-critical facility design, and diagnostics
NFPA wraps up World Safety Conference and Expo
Taking place June 2-5 at the Mandalay Bay Conference Center in Las Vegas, the NFPA WSC&E culminated its week with awards and voting on proposed code changes. Read on for more highlights.
ANSI/AMCA STANDARD 320-08, Laboratory Methods of Sound Testing of Fans Using Sound Intensity
The Air Movement and Control Assn. International announced that the Board of Standards Review of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) approved the document on April 18, 2008.
Risk Assessments for Critical Operations Power Systems
Engineers are asking many questions about the new Article 708, Critical Operations Power Systems (COPS), in the 2008 National Electrical Code (NEC). For example: How do we comply with the documented risk assessment required in Section 708.4? Unlike the other special systems of Chapter 7, there is subtext to the new article that may depend upon mandates from state or federal authorities.
Berkeley Lab examines state-renewables portfolio standards policies
A growing number of states is supporting renewable electricity through the creation of renewables portfolio standards (RPS). A report released by the U.S. Dept. of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory provides a comprehensive overview of the early experiences with these state-level RPS policies.
Agencies & Associations
NECA joins Dept. of Labor to promote teen work safety When the U.S. Dept.
School excels in lighting controls
When Sidwell Friends School in Washington, D.C., upgraded its Middle School building, the administration decided that in order to live up to the school's Quaker ideal of environmental stewardship, the building would be transformed into a $21 million LEED Platinum certified facility. Sidwell was able to attain that rating due to a host of sustainable design features, including the EcoSystem lig...
Power Systems to Protect Healthcare Data
In the age of the paperless—and near-paperless—hospital, it is essential that doctors, nurses, and healthcare technicians can access data 24/7/365. Whether located within the hospital, in stand-alone buildings on a hospital campus, or even sited remotely, these data facilities have special power requirements because they serve unique systems and services.
Uptime Institute seminar schedule published
The Uptime Institute (www.uptimeinstitute.org) hosts interactive seminars for data center professionals. The following is a schedule of key seminars offered by the institute during the remainder of 2008: “How to Plan, Justify, and Manage a Major Data Center Project” is scheduled for Oct. 30-31 in Dallas.
Grounding requires more
We need to raise awareness about the realities of grounding and its environmental effects. With the preference going to some form of nonmetallic piping, the cold water pipe grounding electrode has almost disappeared from new buildings. This article will discuss: By raising the awareness of these sometimes overlooked factors, everyone involved will benefit from have a better grounded system.
Important changes coming in NFPA 70E
The NFPA 70E, “Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace” (Figure 1), has been around since 1976. The standard was ignored until two events occurred. The first event took place in the 2000 edition of the NFPA 70E. The tables—130.7(C)(a), 130.7(C)(10), and 130.7(C)(11)—provided, for the first time, a real method for electrical workers to choose what OSHA termed &#...
Specify the optimal occupancy sensor
Occupancy sensors are proven energysavers that meet code requirements, facilitate sustainable construction, and provide convenient lighting control. But with the breadth of products now available, how does one select the right sensor for a given application? Because sensor selection is key to proper operation and occupant satisfaction, this is an important question.
IFMA and BOMA agree to common floor area measurement definitions
The International Facility Management Assn. and the Building Owners and Managers Assn. Intl. publish “A Unified Approach to Measuring Office Space,” a report outlining common definitions for floor area measurements as well as major revisions to IFMA and BOMA’s respective area measurement standards.
The art of protecting electrical systems, part 18: protecting wires and cables
Part 18 of our continuing series on protecting electrical systems begins a series of articles on protection of electrical systems components, starting with conductors.
An arc flash primer
Historically, arc flash analysis was not a priority for the operation and maintenance of electrical systems—at least not until the 2002 edition of the National Electrical Code, which mandated arc flash analysis. Companies are beginning to allocate the capital necessary to perform this important work.
An eye to the sky
The National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center can help you plan for power outages.
Energy efficiency codes updated
Several states have updated their energy efficiency policies.
Significant changes to Florida building codes
Starting Oct. 1, Florida will adopt the latest building codes.
Green Technical Committee meets for the first time
The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials recently convened the inaugural meeting of its Green Technical Committee.
Nonresidential construction still expanding
According to Patrick Newport, a U.S. Economist with Global Insight, commercial construction numbers continue to look good.
Silent Knight addressable FA control panel
The expanded Farenhyt IFP series, including the IFP-50, IFP-100, IFP-1000 and VIP models conform to the new standards mandated by UL, as well as offering enhanced features.
Outdoor emergency lighting
Dual-Lite expands its outdoor, wet location emergency lighting products with the PG series.
Lessons in boiler efficiency
An essential component of an energy-efficient building is a heating system that integrates high-efficiency boilers for comfort heating, reducing energy consumption, and lowering emissions.
New York City Buildings Dept., Texas official honored by ICC
The New York City Buildings Department and a director of urban development from Texas are the first recipients of the International Code Council Raising the Profile Awards.
E-Clipse bypass option for variable-frequency drive
ABB E-Clipse Bypass option for the manufacturer’s variable-frequency drive ACH550 is approved and listed by the BACnet Testing Laboratories.
Augmented CAT 6A connector
Augmented CAT 6A connector is independently tested by Intertek/ETL to exceed component performance as defined in the recently finalized ANSI/TIA/EIA-568-B.2-10 standard.
Energy stakeholders gather at Danfoss Symposium
More than 30 representatives from the federal government, energy utilities, foreign embassies and the HVAC&R industry gathered in Washington, DC, April 4, to answer a recurring question, “Is the tide turning with regard to the future of energy and energy efficiency strategy?”
AHRI awarded ANSI accreditation
The Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute announced that it has been awarded accreditation by the American National Standards Institute as a standards developing organization.
ANSI/AMCA Standard 210-07 – ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 51-07 now available
The American National Standards Institute approved the standard in August 2007; ASHRAE approved it in March. Standard 210-07, "Laboratory Methods of Testing Fans for Certified Aerodynamic Performance Rating," is now available.
News at a Glance – 2008-04-01
Nationwide emergency alert system; NIST's National Construction Safety Team Act
ASCE calls independent panel amid claims of WTC, Katrina cover-up
The American Society of Civil Engineers has convened an independent panel to investigate the most recent allegations that it covered up catastrophic design flaws while investigating national disasters for the federal government. Critics accuse the organization of covering up engineering mistakes, downplaying the need to alter building standards, and using the investigations to protect engineers and government agencies from lawsuits.
Lighting Controls Assn. adds “Hi-Bay Lighting Upgrades” to its education program
The Lighting Controls Assn. has announced the availability of EE204: Hi-Bay Lighting Upgrades, a new course added to its Education Express program.
Code Council Developing Green Building Professional Certification
The International Code Council announced that it is developing a green building professional certification exam to demonstrate code officials' ability to understand the application of green building technology and assess adherence with green building programs.
Wisconsin adopts latest edition of NFPA 1, Uniform Fire Code
The state of Wisconsin adopted the most recent edition of NFPA 1, Uniform Fire Code. The adoption became effective on March 1, 2008.
ASHRAE and BOMA Intl. sign memorandum of understanding
ASHRAE and the Building Owners and Managers Assn. Intl. signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in recognition of shared technical interests to foster superior building performance.
Helical rotary chiller
The 70- to150-ton screw chiller is said by its manufacturer not only to meet today’s ASHRAE 90.1 efficiency standards, but also forecasted future updates.
Design Master HVAC 6.0
Design Master HVAC 6.0 was released by Design Master Software, Shoreline, Wash., an update to its integrated HVAC design and drafting program.
High-performing buildings standard open for second public review
A proposed standard that will define high-performing buildings in code-intended language is one step closer to completion. Proposed ASHRAE Standard 189.1, “Standard for the Design of High-Performance Green Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings,” is now open for its second public review.
VFDs, harmonics drive power quality debate
This month's panel of experts discusses how to mitigate harmonic effects, passive and active filters, and technological advances with these systems and VFDs.
Heating calculations for electrical duct bank
When electrical duct banks with significant amounts of conduits and conductors are routed belowgrade, heating calculations are performed to determine if any conductor derating is required.
National BIM standard version 1, part 1 released
The National Institute of Building Sciences' (NIBS) Facility Information Council (FIC) announced the release of the “National BIM Standard Version 1, Part 1: Overview, Principles, and Methodologies” for public use.
State and local building codes at your fingertips
Reed Construction Data offers an exclusive national code resource with detailed information on building codes for all 50 states, major cities, and some counties.
CEU exam on selective coordination Web cast available
All registered attendees may earn CEU credits. Click here to take the exam.
AMCA’s spring meeting scheduled
The Air Movement and Control Association International Inc. is hosting its annual spring meetings in Las Vegas, March 2-7, 2008.
Flush meter
Combine hands-free operating with state-of-the-art, water-saving dual-flush features. The ECOS Dual-Flush Flushometer from Sloan Valve offers users two water-efficient flush options: a green button for a reduced flush of 1.1 gallon per flush for liquids or a chrome button to initiate a standard 1.6 gallon per flush for solids.
Architecture, engineering, and construction still going strong in the United States
After reaching near-record levels in the first three quarters of 2007, and averting most of the negative sentiment that plagued the broader economy, market values of architecture, engineering, construction, and environmental consulting firms (AEC/E) finally slowed to a 5% pace at year-end, according to analysts at Natick, Mass.
Lighting the way
As part of the Energy Policy Act of 1992, the U.S. Dept. of Energy (DOE) established ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA 90.1-1989 as the federally mandated minimum design and construction standard for commercial buildings throughout the United States. And with lighting efficiency—a major component of overall building system efficiency—as energy-efficient lighting technologies evolve, the code also e...
Engineering leadership
Uniquely trained to integrate individual building components into holistic systems, engineers are now being invited to transform the roots of yesterday's green designs into today's sophisticated and cost-effective, sustainable facilities. In the early stages of the sustainability movement, many green projects contained more hype than substance.
BHMA releases new standards document
The Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association announces the publication of ANSI/BHMA A156.29 - 2007.
Design K-12 schools smartly
To encourage energy-efficient design in K-12 schools, ASHRAE and its partnering organizations are making available for free the Advanced Energy Design Guide series.
Outdoor air in data centers
Buildings leak air. Sometimes this leakage actually can produce unintended favorable results such as providing additional ventilation air for occupants. However, this uncontrolled leakage typically will have a negative impact on indoor temperature and humidity, and must be accounted for in the design process.
News At A Glance
ASHRAE has published Standard 62.1-2007 User’s Manual that provides a better understanding of the design, installation, and operation requirements in ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2007, Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality. The U.S. Dept. of Energy has established regulations that require new federal buildings to achieve at least 30% greater energy efficiency over prevailing build...
Air-Conditioning Institute merges with Gas Appliance Manufacturers’ Assn.
New organization will become the Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute on Jan. 1.
An ISO for sustainability
A new International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standard, ISO 21930:2007, Sustainability in Building Construction—environmental declaration of building products, intends to promote sustainable construction. ISO officials describe the standard as a tool for the designers of buildings, manufacturers of building products, users of buildings, owners of buildings, and others active ...
MEP engineers step up
MEP engineers are no longer an afterthought in building design. The push for green buildings has thrust MEP engineers into the limelight, and getting involved early in the design process is a must.
Global energy issue takes center stage
While it's impossible to summarize the global energy challenge, the HVAC-R industry, and ourselves (as engineers, parents, and consumers) into a few succinct paragraphs, here's a summary of the findings from the EnVisioneering Symposium Series, launched in August 2006 by Danfoss Refrigeration & Air-Conditioning, Baltimore.
Greening the Caribbean
Standard Refrigeration Co. Inc.'s Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, facility was getting old. Real estate costs were skyrocketing. The shared office and manufacturing space just wasn't cutting it any more. The mechanical/electrical contracting firm, founded 60 years ago, had to move. But firm officials didn't want just to build a new facility—they wanted a unique, sustainable building.
Distributed Generation: The Global Outlook
Rising fuel prices have dealt a setback to the distributed generation movement and its advocacy of on-site power. But there are still a number geographic regions and types of facilities where the technology makes sense. “While the basic idea is still good, the cost of natural gas has increased to the point that, on a Btu basis, natural gas and electricity are very close in cost,” sa...
High Headroom or How to Prevent Premature SPD Death
Low headroom can be uncomfortable in a vehicle, but in a surge protection device (SPD), it can result in the destruction of the protector. Knowing where to set headroom in terms of a protector's turn-on point is the first step in protecting one's investment. The specified clamping voltage of SPDs should be as close to the value of the AC input power as possible.
Adobe Systems’ big payback
Driven to have a responsibility to its local community and the global environment, Adobe Systems Inc. consistently has taken a strong, pro-active approach to resource conservation, waste reduction, environmental protection, and sustainability with its use of state-of-the-art technology.
2008 Editorial Preview
January Features: Fire Safety for Tall Buildings Discussion of recent research findings and guidance for high-rise buildings on alarming, sprinklers, smoke control, evacuation, and emergency lighting. Electrical Systems for Hospitals When are isolated power systems required for hospitals, what are the design issues involving grounding and selective coordination of fuses and breakers? This article discusses the codes and realities of hospital isolated power systems and provides detailed guidance to designers. Energy Efficient Data Centers With data centers consuming 1.5% of total U.S. electricity, and growing, novel approaches are needed to resolve heat-density and energy efficiency issues. This article provides novel methods of cooling and powering data centers. AMCA's Lab Ventilation Fan Test Standard The new lab ventilation-fan test standard from the Air Movement and Control Association’s (AMCA) was released in 2007 to settle the uncertainties of induced-flow lab fans.
Final OSHA PPE Rule Holds Contractors Responsible for Providing Workers’ Safety Gear
OSHA recently published a new final rule requiring employers to provide personal protective equipment used to comply with OSHA's standards for all employees. Employees are responsible only for the costs of everyday clothing, footwear, and safety eyewear.
The Art of Protecting Electrical Systems, Part 14 – Single-Phase Short Circuit Calculations: A Step-By-Step Guide
Part 14 of this continuing series provides detailed information on how to calculate four types of single-phase faults.
Selecting radiant ceiling cooling and heating systems (part 2)
This three-part series provides an overview of the most commonly available and applied commercial building radiant cooling systems. Part 2 covers the most common commercial radiant cooling systems.
Dubiotech raises the standard for green building construction
The world’s largest LEED certified green building title now resides in Dubai at Dubiotech.
The Big Apple to host 2008 ASHRAE Winter Meeting
ASHRAE’s 2008 Winter Meeting will take place Jan. 19-23, 2008, in New York City.
Terminator takes on the government
California has sued the U.S. government to force the decision on whether the state can impose the nation’s first greenhouse gas emission standards for cars and light trucks.
CSI and USGBC sign memorandum of understanding at Greenbuild
The Construction Specifications Institute and the U.S. Green Building Council signed an MOU on Wednesday Nov. 7 at Greenbuild in Chicago.
California readies for remapped fire hazard zones
The new codes become effective in January, and include provisions for ignition-resistant construction standards in the wildland urban interface. Building officials will use the updated fire hazard severity zones to determine appropriate construction materials for new buildings in wildland urban zones.
ANSI/AMCA standard for testing air circulating fans approved
The Air Movement and Control Assn. International announced that the Board of Standards Review of the American National Standards Institute approved the ANSI/AMCA STANDARD 230-07, “Laboratory Methods of Testing Air Circulating Fans for Rating and Certification.”
2007 Product of the Year
2007 MVP — Received most reader votes online: Dual flush toilet Ultra Flush technology uses the standard water supply to pressurize air inside a toilet tank and drive water into the bowl with accelerated force, thereby conserving the amount of water required. The dual-flush model incorporates two flush buttons: the long flush uses 1.
SFPE honors two for fire protection contributions
Dr. John Hall and Kathleen Almand, both serving the NFPA, have been honored for their contributions toward fire protection.
State office building achieves LEED Platinum
Commissioned in 2004, the Lewis and Clark Building provides 120,000 square feet of office space for Missouri’s Department of Natural Resources on a site overlooking the Missouri River.
The scoop on electronic ballasts
Higher light output and energy savings push electronic ballasts to the forefront.
Water-cooled chiller proposal represents energy savings for ASHRAE 90.1
An estimated annual energy savings of 13% relative to ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-2004 should result from a proposed addendum regarding air- and water-cooled chillers.
Johnson Controls’ Metasys meets revised standard for smoke control
Johnson Controls said its components of the Metasys building management system meet Underwriters Laboratories (UL) revised standard for Smoke Control Systems and Equipment, UL 864 UUKL 9th edition.
Maintaining a comfortable environment in places of assembly
Designing comfort systems for places of assembly—such as auditoriums, gymnasiums, arenas or houses of worship—presents some vexing challenges. Such facilities often have acoustical requirements that place limits on equipment location and air distribution design. Many places of assembly experience diverse loads and occupancy schedules, complicating part-load system control.
Taking control of BAS
This month's panel discusses building automation systems (BAS) and how engineers can meet expectations for these systems, in areas such as installations and retrofits. CSE: How can BAS designers meet an owner's requirements on time and on budget? HYDEMAN: A successful controls project rests on the following pillars: a clearly defined scope of work; a competent and reputable controls contractor;...
Getting it straight: interruption rating vs. short-circuit current rating
Specifiers often use the terms short-circuit current rating (SCCR) and interrupting rating (IR) interchangeably. But a system’s or component’s SCCR may depend on the fuse or circuit breaker used in the circuit. Not understanding this difference between SCCR and IR may lead to under-protection, fire, and possibly death.
Letters: Reader Feedback – 2007-10-01
Engineers are superheroes I really enjoyed your “Editor's Viewpoint” in the last edition (CSE, 09/07, p. 5) as well as the related cover for the magazine. Engineers, like superheroes, find satisfaction in identifying and solving problems. It's the way many of us were made. We need talented writers to continue to remind everyone of the contributions we make to the world so more peo...
Overcurrent Protection: Fuses or Breakers?
When designing non-residential electrical systems, engineers must consider electrical protection from many perspectives. Although the entire electrical distribution system of a facility is important—from switchyard to light bulbs—“the overcurrent protective system is the very heart of the electrical distribution system,” wrote George Farrell and Frank Valvoda, PE, in a 1...
New Products – 2007-10-01
Building management system supports an range of security and access devices for access control; user and card administration; and event and alarm management. The system offers Ethernet-level access control, software-powered security workstation, web/client software that acts as the Web server and a digital video management system.
Industry Roundup: News from the Manufacturers
Alerton, Redmond, Wash., was selected to provide the building automation system for the Bahrain City Center in Manama, capital of the Kingdom of Bahrain. Cooper Lighting, Peachtree City, Ga., has acquired Illinois-based io Lighting, a light-emitting diode (LED) commercial lighting fixture company. Corning Cable Systems LLC, Hickory, N.C., announced a 10G Connectivity Resource Center, an online Web site created to provide factual information about 10G connectivity for enterprise networks. The Resource Center is at www.corning.com/10GFacts . Halsey Taylor, Oak Brook, Ill., a manufacturer of water coolers and drinking fountains, is celebrating its 95th anniversary this year. Johnson Controls, Milwaukee, announced that components of the Metasys building management system—along with intelligent fire controller (IFC) models IFC-320, IFC2-640, and IFC2-3030—are compliant with UL revised standard for Smoke Control Systems and Equipment, UL 864 UUKL 9th edition. Meter-Treater, Lake Park, Fla., announced the completion of its UL 1449 3rd Edition testing on its line of AC Power Surge Protection Devices. Office Depot, Delray Beach, will both build and open its first USGBC Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design-certified retail store in Austin, Texas in mid-2008. Leviton, Little Neck, N.Y., has announced the passing of its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Harold Leviton, at the age of 90. Schneider Electric’s North American Operating Division celebrates the 50th anniversary of its Square D plant in Lexington, Ky., on Sept.
The Art of Protecting Electrical Systems, Part 12: Approximating Short-Circuit Calculations for Conductors
Short-cut methods provide a quick alternative to ohmic and per-unit methods for determining fault currents in many simple radial systems
NEMA Publishes ANSI/NEMA GR 1-2007 Grounding Rod Electrodes and Grounding Rod Electrode Couplings
The National Electrical Manufacturers Assn.'s ANSI/NEMA GR 1-2007 provides practical information concerning materials, construction, testing, performance and manufacture of copper-bonded ground rod electrodes, zinc-coated ground rod electrodes, and stainless steel-clad ground rod electrodes.
International Facility Management Assn. supports industry-wide open standards initiative
The Open Standards Consortium for Real Estate announced that the International Facility Management Assn. has joined OSCRE as an Executive Member—the highest level of partnership with the organization. IFMA will support OSCRE’s efforts to develop workplace standards and improve the efficiency, consistency and transparency of date used in the corporate supply chain.
New Products – 2007-09-01
Emergency power system supply testing and reporting system is designed to meet Joint Commission requirements. System provides secure, certified record of all EPSS activities through a single web-based application, and is compatible with other manufacturers' equipment, including legacy switches and generators and existing IT infrastructure.
Prime power for critical manufacturing through CHP
Mercedes-Benz required 8 MW of prime power for a galvanization line at a manufacturing plant in Turkey. To ensure clean, continuous power and unconditional uptime for the process line, the company selected four generator sets and a CHP trigeneration system.
2006 International Building Code meets FHA accessibility requirements
The U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development recently recognized the 2006 International Building Code (IBC) and the 2003 ICC/ANSI A117.1, Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities, as safe harbors in compliance with the federal Fair Housing Act (FHA) accessibility requirements.
ASHRAE to expand member services globally
ASHRAE has approved 14 strategies to strengthen its role as a global resource for HVAC/R practices through expanded membership services and cooperation with associations.
Coolest kid on the block
Ground source heating pump systems now rival standard electric centrifugal chiller and boiler machines in energy efficiency and occupancy comfort, making them today’s “coolest” power generation solution.
NECA revised standard on switchboards published
The National Electrical Contractors Assn., Bethesda, Md., has published its revised "NECA 400-2007, Standard for Installing and Maintaining Switchboards," an ANSI-approved standard that describes the installation and maintenance procedures for deadfront distribution switchboards rated 600 volts or less.
NSF announces certification program for geothermal piping
NSF International, Ann Arbor, Mich., introduced a geothermal listing for piping products that will produce cost-effective and environmentally friendly methods to heat and cool buildings.
Alerton Simplifies Building Automation Systems for Multi-Site Enterprise Clients
Building automation system developer Alerton announced that its Global and National Accounts program will meet rigorous needs of customers deploying building control solutions across multiple sites around the country or around the globe.
Consensus Agreement Reached on Walk-in Coolers, Freezers Efficiency Standards
Commercial refrigeration manufacturers and energy efficiency advocacy groups recently announced that they reached a consensus agreement on the first-ever federal energy-efficiency standards for commercial walk-in freezers and coolers that, if enacted by Congress, will begin affecting the design of new equipment in 2009.
Letters: Reader Feedback – 2007-08-01
Engineering shortage On the subject article (05/07), it is similar to an engineering survey I read recently. In that article, it stated that mechanical engineers with 10 years of experience had an average annual salary of $58,000 and the lowest average professional engineering salary in the United States (electrical engineers salary was about $68,000).
NECA Revised NEIS on Motor Control Centers Published
The National Electrical Contractors Assn., Bethesda, Md.,has published NECA 402-2007, Standard for Installing and Maintaining Motor Control Centers.
AMCA Receives ASHRAE Test Fan Project
The Air Movement and Control Assn. International’s (AMCA) testing laboratory is underway with an ASHRAE Research Project RP1272, called “Inlet Installation Effects on Forward Curved Centrifugal Fans, Air and Sound.” The goal of this project is to obtain a body of measured inlet system effects for a typical forward curved centrifugal fan using ANSI/AMCA 210/ASHRAE 51 and AMCA 300 standards.
Briefly… – 2007-07-01
• Four post-secondary HVAC/R programs have earned national accreditation through the Partnership for Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Accreditation program. These programs include: Mount San Antonio College, Walnut, Calif.; Oakton Community College, Des Plaines, Ill.; Community College of Southern Nevada, Henderson, Nev.
Opportunities Abound in Clinton Foundation’s Energy Retrofit Program
On May 16, something remarkable happened in the buildings industry. With the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the William J. Clinton Foundation announced a $5-billion financing package for energy-efficiency projects for 16 cities around the world. The Energy Efficiency Building Retrofit Program is a project by the Clinton Climate Initiative (CCI), which President Clinton launched in A...
UC Davis Extension Announces Fall Engineering Courses
UC Davis Extension announced that this fall the university's Engineering and Science department is offering courses in fire protection and building design.
ASHRAE’s Advocacy Program Continues to Build Momentum
Since its launch in July 2005, ASHRAE’s government affairs team has greatly expanded its presence in Washington, D.C., through such activities as World Standards Day, organizing a roundtable for related organizations, sponsoring a Washington Fellow, and taking part in Congressional Visits.
Celebration of Lighting
Despite stiff competition from the American Institute of Architects' annual convention in San Antonio, Texas, hundreds of architects, engineers, professors and lighting professionals attended the 18th Annual Lightfair, held in New York from May 6 through May 10. This year Lightfair exceeded expectations with attendees and exhibitors from all over the world.
Global Experts Convene in Beijing to Lay Roadmaps for Ultra High Voltage Technology
In places where electric demand is growing but room for transmission lines is limited, a new technology known as ultra high voltage (UHV) offers an important viable solution. Delivering voltages of 1,000 kV AC or higher and a minimum of 800 kV DC, UHV technology can carry large quantities of electricity long distances over a single power line corridor and with minimal loss of power.
NEMA CEO Endorses Expedited Energy-Efficiency Rulemaking Authority In House Testimony
NEMA President and CEO Evan Gaddis makes recommendations to the U. S. House of Representatives on the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA).
Seattle’s New Federal Courthouse Garners Best Engineering Award
A gleaming 23-story U.S. Courthouse complex in downtown Seattle was named the year’s most impressive engineering achievement at the 40th Annual Engineering Excellence Awards, sponsored by the American Council of Engineering Companies, Washington, D.C.
Revised NSPE Documents Reduce Contract Risks
For the first time since 1996, the Engineers Joint Contract Document Committee of the National Society of Professional Engineers has updated many of its engineer/subconsultant and owner/engineer documents.
ARI Achievement Awards
The Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI), Arlington, Va., has announced the winners of its inaugural Standards Achievement Awardd: Larry Howington, director of engineering at Hill PHOENIX, Conyers, Ga., serves as chairman of the CRMD Engineering Committee and was recognized for guiding ARI's Commercial Refrigeration Manufacturers Division (CRMD) Engineering Committee through impo...
A Mechanical Engineer’s Perspective on Electrical System Commissioning
An unexpected power failure and the ensuing recovery can wreak havoc on a building and its systems, generating complaints, loss of environmental control, quality control problems, and occasionally, debris. But one often overlooked aspect of power systems failure is the effect on HVAC and building automation systems, and the problems that can ensue from loss of power.
Debate Heats Up on Class C Extinguishants
Dupont, Wilmington, Del., is asking that Comment ROC 2001-61a, which proposes changes to the minimum Class C design concentration requirements, not be adopted. Comment ROC 2001-61a is up for floor vote at the National Fire Protection Assn. (NFPA) meeting during the NFPA World Safety Conference and Expo, scheduled for June 3 to June 7, in Boston.
ASHRAE’s Advocacy Program Gains Ground since July 2005 Launch
ASHRAE’s advocacy program, designed to provide technical input to government in developing programs related to the built environment, has expanded its presence in Washington, D.C., through activities such as World Standards Day, organizing a roundtable for related organizations and sponsoring a Washington Fellow.
ARI Launches Certification Program for Commercial Refrigeration Equipment
The new program joins 25 other ARI-administered certification programs in displaying the ARI Performance Certified mark that provides consumer assurance HVAC/R product performance.
NEMA AND ACEEE Reach Agreement on Industrial Motor Efficiency Standards
The National Electrical Manufacturers Assn. the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE) have announced that they have reached consensus on federal standards for energy-efficient motors. They have jointly recommended important changes and additions to the current national energy-efficiency standards for industrial electric motors to Congressional energy committees for their consideration in legislation now under development. The organizations recommend that changes affecting three different types of electric motors take effect 36 months from enactment.
SFPE Repositions Fire Protection Engineers’ Roles
The Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE) updated its position statement on “The Role of the Fire Protection Engineers in the Construction Design Process.” The new statement stresses how the guidance of a qualified fire protection engineer on the construction team saves time and expenses by interpreting fire and building codes with applied knowledge of how the building and its components function as an integrated fire and life safety system. “In addition to protecting lives and property, good fire protection design will preserve business continuity,” said Chris Jelenewicz, engineering program manager with SFPE. “For example, the One Meridian Plaza fire in Philadelphia that occurred in 1991 resulted in the building never being re-opened and the Interstate Bank Building fire in Los Angeles that occurred in 1988 resulted in the building being out of service for six months.” After 9/11, the roles fire protection engineers play in improving life safety was reinforced. The National Institute of Standards and Technology released 30 recommendations aimed at improving safety in tall buildings for occupants and first responders in 2005.
NFPA World Safety Conference & Expo to be held June 3 to June 7
The National Fire Protection Assoc.’s (NFPA) World Safety Conference & Exposition is scheduled for June 3 to June 7 at the Boston Convention and Exposition Center. More than 5,000 attendees are expected to attend the opening session to hear keynote speaker and Pulitzer Prize-winning author David McCullough. The conference and expo will feature more than 150 educational sessions and a three-day trade show. Some sessions include: * Presentation on the Station Nightclub fire that killed 100 people in 2003 in West Warwick, R.I.
ASHRAE Names Nine New Distinguished Lecturers
The Atlanta-based American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers has named nine new distinguished lecturers. These individuals provide ASHRAE chapters with noted authorities who speak on relevant topics that impact the HVAC/R industry. This marks the 11th year of the Distinguished Lecturer Program. The new lecturers and their areas of expertise are: • Robert Bean, registered engineering technologist, Calgary, Canada — The Human Factor in HVAC, Radiant Based HVAC Systems, and Snow and Ice Melting. • Barry Benator, P.E., BENATECH Inc., Atlanta, Ga.
ASHRAE Standards, Addenda Open for Review
Nearly 40 addenda and 16 American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) standards and guidelines are open for public review, which allows interested parties to comment on the technical guidance contained in the documents. “Through the public review process, it is possible for anyone to provide input,” said Hugh McMillan, chair of ASHRAE Technology Council, which oversees standard development. “By opening the process to all interested parties during the public review period, it is hoped that through consensus, a final standard is published that has been rigorously examined, questioned and defended.ASHRAE standards are strengthened by virtue of having been through this process.” Proposed ASHRAE standards, guidelines and addenda to standards are available only during public review periods. To comment, visit www.ashrae.org/publicreviews . Addenda to the following standards are open for comment: • ASHRAE Guideline 13-2000, Specifying Direct Digital Control Systems • ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 15-2007, Safety Standard for Refrigeration Systems • ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 34-2007, Designation and Safety Classification of Refrigerants • ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 52.2-2007, Method of Test (MOT) General Ventilation Air-Cleaning Devices for Removal Efficiency by Particle Size • ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2007, Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality • ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-2007, Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings • ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 90.2-2007, Energy Efficient Design of Low-Rise Residential Buildings • ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 135-2004, BACnet — A Data Communication Protocol for Building Automation and Control Networks • ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 135.1-2003, MOT for Conformance to BACnet Standards and guidelines that are open for review are: • ASHRAE Guideline 8-1994, Energy Cost Allocation for Multi-Occupancy Residential Buildings •ASHRAE Standard 17-1998R, MOT Capacity of Thermostatic Refrigerant Expansion Valves •ASHRAE Standard 22-2003R, MOT for Rating Water-Cooled Refrigerant Condensers • ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 63.1-1995, MOT Liquid Line Refrigerant Driers • ASHRAE 78-1985R, MOT Flow Capacity of Suction Line Filters and Filter-Driers • ASHRAE Standard 87.1-1992, MOT Fan Vibration, Blade Vibration and Critical Speeds • ANSI/ASHRAE 87.2-2002, In-Situ MOT Propeller Fans for Reliability • ASHRAE Standard 97-1999R, Sealed Glass Tube MOT the Chemical Stability of Materials for Use Within Refrigerant Systems • ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 117-2002, MOT Closed Refrigerators • ASHRAE Standard 118.1-2003R, MOT for Rating Commercial Gas, Electric and Oil Service Water Heating Equipment • ASHRAE Standard 127-2001R, MOT for Rating Computer and Data Processing Room Unitary Air Conditioners • ASHRAE Standard 129-1997R, Measuring Air-Change Effectiveness • ASHRAE Standard 130-1996R, MOT Air Terminal Units • ASHRAE Standard 143-2000R, MOT for Rating Indirect Evaporative Coolers • ASHRAE Standard 164P, MOT for Central System Humidifiers for Residential Applications • ASHRAE/ACCA 180P, Standard Practice for Inspection and Maintenance of Commercial Building HVAC Systems.
The Design, Operate, Maintain Approach
Design, operate, maintain (DOM) is a key new concept in asset management and industrial maintenance, repair and operation. It comes from those who design facilities and those who operate and maintain them working closely together for efficiency and profitability. Interestingly, many industries were in a better position to implement DOM years ago than they are today.
Energy Experts
When President Bush, in September 2005, signed a presidential directive instructing government agencies to conserve natural gas, electricity, gasoline and diesel fuel to the maximum extent possible, the U.S. General Services Administration’s (GSA) Energy Center of Expertise, originally established in 1997, became even more important for federal agencies and non-profit organizations.
Briefly… – 2007-04-01
• Lawrence Berkeley National Lab researchers are working with industry experts to develop technologies to make electronic networks—for the Internet, consumer electronics or both—more energy-efficient. They also are developing specifications and information programs to speed the adoption of energy-efficient technologies in the marketplace.
OHSU Center First Medical Facility in Nation to Win LEED Platinum Award
The U.S. Green Building Council has awarded Oregon Health & Science University’s Center for Health & Healing a LEED platinum certification for energy efficiency and environmental sustainability, the first medical and research facility anywhere to have achieved this distinction. CSE twice has published feature articles about the facility—“ Platinum on a Budget ” ( CSE 10/05) and “ Health Code ” (CSE 12/06), not only because the platinum certification is a first for this type of facility, but also because the building team managed to achieve this goal using integrated design features never before used together on a project of this kind—and at no extra cost to the project. In fact, the Center for Health & Healing won CSE’ s 2006 ARC Project of the Year Award. The building garnered 55 points out of a possible 69 on the USBGC’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) scorecard, three more points than required for platinum. “We set out to meet the highest standards of sustainability and energy efficiency when this project was started. This award recognizes the melding of the OHSU Medical Group’s vision and the innovative team that designed and built this remarkable building,” said Joseph Robertson, M.D., MBA, president of OHSU.
Electrical Industry Groups Join to Push for Transformer Efficiency
The nation’s investor—and municipally owned electric utilities—have joined with environmental and energy-efficiency organizations to recommend significantly higher efficiency standards for the estimated 41 million distribution transformers now serving the electricity system, according to a February release from the Edison Electric Institute . Once in place following a gradual phase-in, the transformers are expected to save 26 billion kilowatt-hours annually, or roughly equivalent to the electricity used by 2.3 million U.S. households in 2005. That will in turn reduce annual emissions from electric power plants by 15 million metric tons, about equal to the average annual emissions of 2.7 million automobiles. The proposal for higher efficiency standards marks the first-ever agreement on appliance standards from America’s investor-owned and public-power electric utilities and major energy efficiency and environmental groups.
National BIM Standard Released for Industry Review
The first version of the National Building Information Modeling Standard™ (NBIMS) has been released for a two month industry review period.
Searchable Databases for Indoor Air Quality Analysis
The Building and Fire Research Laboratory (BFRL), part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), has developed a series of searchable databases of indoor air quality (IAQ) model input data that may be used to estimate building contaminant concentration levels and associated occupant exposures. Database structures have been designed for compiling volatile organic compound (VOC) emission rates from building materials, particle and inorganic gas emission rates from indoor combustion sources, particle deposition rates, VOC sorption rates and particle filtration efficiencies. Although many of these input data are available in the literature, they have not previously been compiled in a readily accessible format. As a result of BFRL’s efforts, the IAQ community now has a standard format to organize model input data for assessments of data quality, trends and gaps, as well as for convenient use in IAQ models. In addition, BFRL developed ContamLink, a software tool to search the databases and create data libraries for use in the indoor air quality and ventilation model CONTAM. These databases and the software tool have been documented in NISTIR 7364 and are available at the CONTAM website , https://www.bfrl.nist.gov/IAQanalysis/software/CONTAMLINKdesc.htm . The mission of BFRL is to study building materials; computer-integrated construction practices; fire science and fire safety engineering; and structural, mechanical, and environmental engineering.
USGBC Accepting Comments on Energy Performance Points Until March 23
The United States Green Building Council encourages the public to comment on the first draft of its language requiring all Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) projects to obtain a minimum of two points in the Optimize Energy Performance credit. This proposal is part of USGBC’s Climate Action commitment , which was announced at the 2006 Greenbuild International Conference and Expo in Denver last November. The commitment is to focus on and increase the role of green buildings in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The changes would apply to the four currently available rating systems: LEED for New Construction, LEED for Existing Buildings, LEED for Commercial Interiors, and LEED for Core and Shell Developments. Any member of the public can comment on the draft requirement (after registering a site user profile on the USGBC website). Friday, March 23, midnight Pacific Standard Time.
International Code Council Hires Local Government Expert
As part of an organizational restructuring to provide enhanced services to members, the International Code Council , Washington, D.C., has named Michael Armstrong as senior vice president of its member services division. The division includes membership, training and education, certification, and meeting and travel services. "The new member services division, by incorporating training, certification, member support and meetings, will have customer service as its primary mission," said Armstrong. "Our division plans to leverage our skills and relationships across the ICC family to provide support that is responsive and relevant to the needs of our customers." Armstrong comes to the Code Council from ICF International, a management consulting firm, where he managed projects for local government clients.
AMCA International Approves New Test Standard for Flow Fans
The Air Movement and Control Assn. Intl. , Arlington Heights, Ill., announced last week that the AMCA board of directors approved a new method of test standard for induced flow fans and a new certified ratings program for the unique performance requirements of these types of fans.
Airport Cities
Domestic airline travel is on the rise, but that doesn't always translate into airport renovations and expansion. “The demand for air travel is fairly strong, but the problem is financing,” explains Dave Kipp, P.E., chief operating officer and senior vice president of technology and aviation, Ross & Baruzzini, St.
New Products – 2007-03-01
Valve actuator provides users with reliable and safe operation in extreme applications. It includes a patented absolute encoder that does not require battery backup, patented circuit protection technology and menus in six languages. The enhanced model offers actuators for torques as large as 1,700 ft.
Mixing Valves – What Are They and How Do They Work?
The American Society of Sanitary Engineering (ASSE) publishes a comprehensive set of industry standards that address various types of mixing valves intended for blending hot and cold water in domestic water systems. Each standard clearly defines the purpose, scope and application of a device that is manufactured and tested to perform for its application.
International Code Council Supports Green
The International Code Council (ICC) board of directors recently iss